On June 5, 1958, a beautiful baby boy named Jim was born into the sun-soaked town of Coral Gables, Florida, to Charles and Joann Strichard. Jim, affectionately known to family and friends as Jimmy, was the middle child of three. His older brother, Jeff, and his younger sister, Diana, rounded out the close-knit family that would form the foundation of his life. He grew up in a household where love, hard work, and faith were the core values, even though financial resources sometimes weren't readily available.

Jim's father, Charles Strichard, was a military veteran and a product of the Great Depression. Born in the Bronx, New York, Charles experienced the struggles of growing up during challenging times, with a controlling Jewish mother and three younger sisters. Despite these challenges, he was proud of his heritage and service in the military. After leaving the army, Charles made his way south, eventually settling in Florida. There, he met Joann, a God-fearing, kind-hearted woman from Phenix City, Alabama, who had been raised in the Southern Baptist faith. Their meeting, by chance on New Year's Eve when Joann was accidentally pushed onto Charles' lap, led to a whirlwind romance. Four months later, they married, and their union lasted 38 years.

Jim's mother, Joann, though facing her own struggles, worked as a bookkeeper, and was the emotional anchor of the family. She made sure her children had what they needed, ensuring their lives were full of love and warmth, even when money was tight. Jim's parents, though from different cultural backgrounds, shared a deep love for each other, providing Jim with an environment where family, tradition, and care were the bedrock of his childhood.

Growing up, Jim's family shared many fun and formative experiences. Jim's childhood was rich with memories of adventure and bonding. The Strichard siblings were known for their love of outdoor activities—whether they were playing touch football in the street or in their backyard, swimming in the above-ground pool, or traveling together on vacations. Family time was sacred, and Jim cherished those moments with his siblings. They spent Saturdays hunting for treasures at swap meets and enjoyed the simple joy of life in their South Florida neighborhood. Memorial Day weekend visits to Ft. Myer's Beach became an annual tradition in the Strichard household, including many fond memories when friends joined the family on these trips.

Of course, being in South Florida at that time meant one thing: Miami Dolphin's football. Jim's family was a part of the Miami Dolphins' legacy, as they held season tickets to the team's home games. For away games, Jim had a front-row seat in front of the television for some of the most exciting moments in sports history including the Dolphins' perfect season and their subsequent Super Bowl win. These memories were made even sweeter by the fact that Jim's family enjoyed them together, cheering for their beloved team. The only thing that made the games more intense was his father's constant commentaries, complete with yellow flag thrown on the floor during penalties, as if the refs could hear him from the armchair.

The Strichard family also enjoyed annual vacations, which took them from the Bahamas and Jamaica, Georgia (when the moon landing occurred in 1969) and Florida (opening year of Disney World 1971), and all the way to Houston for a visit to the Astrodome. Then there was North Carolina, a place Jim always talked about as the one place he'd love to move to - though he never did. There, he discovered his love of fishing, particularly in the cool, clear waters of the mountain streams. This passion would stay with him for life.

Jim's childhood wasn't just about play and travel - it was also about the simple joys of life. Even though his parents didn't have a lot of money, they made sure Christmases and birthdays were filled with abundance, making those occasions feel magical. Jim and his siblings never went without the essentials, thanks to Joann's love and resourcefulness. Holidays were a time of celebration, with family gatherings and the joy of being together. As the sibling grew older, Jim's parents would sneak away together to Las Vegas to enjoy some couple time during Thanksgiving, leaving Jim and his siblings, along with a slew of friends, to explore unsupervised adulthood - um stories we cannot and will not share in this lovely, sacred venue.

Jim's athleticism began to peak early on, particularly in baseball. He spent countless hours at the local ballpark, where he honed his skills and earned accolades for his All-Star performances. Baseball wasn't just a game for Jim; it was a family affair. His parents, especially, were always there, cheering him on from the sidelines. Jim's talent for the sport became evident as he played through the years, and his crowning achievement came at the age of 13 when he hit a grand slam. This moment marked the pinnacle of his youth baseball career, and he fondly remembered it as the highlight of his athletic life. He frequently told us the he peaked at life when he was 13 years old. It also sparked his lifelong love of the Atlanta Braves, a team he would continue to support for years to come.

In addition to his passion for baseball, Jim developed a love of music during his middle school years. He joined Southwest Community Church, a non-denominational church, where he not only participated in youth activities but also learned to play the guitar. Music became an outlet for him and he embraced musical groups such as the Eagles, Cat Stevens, Steely Dan and James Taylor. Jim spent years involved in the church's contemporary youth programs, using his talents to contribute to the community and find a sense of belonging. This involvement in church continued
through high school, even as he began to take on more responsibilities, including his first job.

During high school, Jim followed in his brother Jeff's footsteps and landed a job at the local Grand Union supermarket, where he worked at a clerk and stock boy. It wasn't glamorous, but it was a start, and it helped him develop a strong work ethic that would stay with him throughout his life. He also discovered a new passion - golf. Jim quickly became proficient, spending many weekends at the Hidden Valley Golf Course with his sister Diana, where they would play the fame, which they both enjoyed. They had many memories of those days, particularly when rainstorms would turn the course into a small lake, making for some humorous, yet memorable, outings.

When it came time to transition from high school, Jim didn't follow the traditional path to college. Instead, Jim chose to pursue a trade and joined the Local Pipefitters Union. He began his career as an HVAC technician, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. Over the years, Jim worked for prestigious companies such as Ingersoll Rand, Siemens, and South Florida Trane. One of the most notable aspects of his career was his work on the large hotel centrifugal units and panels on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. For 10 years, Jim would fly to the Bahamas every week, working on these systems and living in hotels during the week. While the job allowed him to experience the beauty of the islands and local culture, the solitude of frequent travel took a toll on him, leading to unhealthy habits that would take years to shake off.

In the years following his time in the Bahamas, Jim lived with his brother Jeff in Fort Lauderdale for a while before purchasing a condo in Weston, Florida, just west of Ft. Lauderdale. It was during these years that Jim grew especially close to his brother Jeff's twins, Jim's niece and nephew, Kim and Mike. He was and active part of their lives, attending their school events, sporting activities, and milestone moments. He also reconnected with his faith, taking on the role of manager for the church's contemporary band, helping with stage setups and performances. This time in Jim's life was marked by joy, a sense of purpose, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

But as much as Jim enjoyed these years, life wasn't always easy. He struggles with seeking comfort in unhealthy ways, which eventually led him to make a difficult decision: he needed a change of scenery. Jim began to travel more extensively, going to places like Lake Tahoe, Reno, New York and Mackinac Island. He became an accomplished skier, tackling black diamond slopes with confidence. These travels brought him closer to his family, particularly his sister's children, Steven and DJ, who became central figures in his life. He attended their school plays, baseball games, and scout activities, offering advice along the way - even if his nephews occasionally teased him about his "CTS" which stands for "Consider the Source" advice.

In 2007, Jim made the life-changing decision to move to Georgia to be closer to his mother and sister. He began working for Georgia Trane, where he found a new sense of fulfillment and purpose. Sadly, in 2009, Jim's world was rocked by the death of his brother Jeff, who passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 52. Ten months later, his mother Joann, succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 80. The losses were devastating, and soon after, Jim's father, Charles, moved in with his sister and the Barbers from Miami. During the three years they spent together, Jim and his father were able to reconnect in ways that had been difficult earlier in their relationship.

It was during this period of reflection and change that Jim began to transform his health. He started walking, changing his diet, and creating a sustainable, healthier lifestyle. His weight began to drop, and his health improved, marking a significant turning point in his life. And then, on his first walk in Sims Park, Jim met Ciera and Amy Gee - a meeting that would change his life forever. With numerous trips to Utah, his passion led him to relocate to Herriman just a year and a half ago, to be closer to his LDS family.

Jim's journey was one of growth, self-discovery, and deep love for his family. Through all the ups and downs, he remained steadfast in his commitment to those he loved, Jim's legacy lives in the memories he created, the lessons he imparted, and the way he loved and supported everyone around him. His life was rich with stories of adventure, hard work, and a love that never wavered. He may no longer be with us, but his spirit will continue to live on in all the live he touched.

Jim Strichard Memorial Folder