James Rickard

November 20, 1919 - October 31, 2014

James Harmon Rickard “A Life Well Lived” Our beloved Grandfather, James (Jim) Harmon Rickard, passed away on October 31, 2014 in Provo, UT at the age of 94. He was born on November 20, 1919 and reared by loving parents at the family home in Powell, Wyoming. His parents were Harvey Garfield Rickard and Ethel Louise Barton. Jim was the youngest of four children and was always close to his brother Hugh, and sisters Vera and Vesta. He remained in Powell until World War II when he left to become an Air Force pilot and squadron leader of a P47 fighter group in the 313th squadron which trained for combat in Texas and Florida. At a dance at a local Mormon church, Jim happened to catch the eye of Gladys Powelson, who he described as “the most beautiful girl he had ever met.” She was from the small Mormon community of Byron, just twenty miles away. According to Jim, the “Powelson girls” were well known in the area as beauties and he thought Gladys was the prettiest of the sisters. Despite Gladys coming from Mormon pioneer stock and Jim being raised in another church they fell in love and held firm in their belief that they could make a “go of it.” Gladys always insisted that “Jim was a good man and would someday join the church.” Because of their wonderful and loving courtship they soon persuaded both families that they were meant for each other. Shortly after his training in the Air Force commenced, they were married in Orlando, Florida on October 2, 1942 (later solemnized in the Los Angeles temple). Jim was soon sent overseas to the European Theater during the Allied Offensive to defeat Germany and the axis forces. He ultimately flew 73 missions which included combat flights on D day. With the end of the war, there was plenty of work for everyone and Jim, because of his entrepreneurial nature, took a variety of positions which led them to Florida, California, Montana, Wyoming, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. Like most young couples they had financial struggles in the early years but their deep love and respect for each other kept them happy and optimistic about their future. Two children, Suzanne and James, Jr., were born shortly after Jim’s return. Jimmy and Suzanne were raised in Burbank, California where the Rickard’s spent many happy years. Jim had many good examples within the LDS community, but his greatest example was his loving wife Gladys. Jim soon gained a testimony and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was truly converted and remained faithful to the very end. He loved serving in the church and had the opportunity to serve as a teacher, priesthood advisor, Bishop, High Councilor and Stake Patriarch. Jim and Glad served a mission to the West Indies and absolutely loved the people they served there. Jim also served with Glad for many years as ordinance workers in the Provo Temple. His gentle nature, absolute integrity, intelligence, zest for life and appreciation of the beauty of nature (especially Wyoming), won the admiration and respect of a great number of friends and associates where ever they lived. Jim’s most intriguing, and the longest employment, was working as one of Howard W. Hughes’ personal aides. Howard Hughes was the first billionaire in the US and the century’s most famous recluse. Hughes’ most trusted confidants were five Mormons, including Jim Rickard. These five faithful Mormon men became known as the “Mormon Mafia.” These aides were with Hughes 24/7 and assigned to serve and watch over his personal needs and be his liaison with his many corporate CEOs. This assignment allowed Jim and Gladys to live in some of the finest hotels in the world where Hughes lived, including the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, Managua, Nicaragua, Nassau and Freeport, Bahamas, London, British Columbia, Florida and Acapulco, Mexico. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Suzanne Ostler (David), his wife Gladys, and his son James Jr. He is survived by 8 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great- great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 8th, at 1:30 pm at the Spanish Fork East Stake Center at 1150 East 1240 South, Spanish Fork, Utah. A Viewing will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm that same day. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery. Jim’s family is deeply grateful to the administration and staff at Courtyard at Jamestown for their extraordinary care of Jim, particularly in his last few years. We also would like to express gratitude to Horizon Hospice for their kind and tender care. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.