James Rikard

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of James Albert "Jim / Jimmy" Rikard on March 7, 2024, in Hoover, AL, at the age of 73. Born on April 3, 1950, to his late parents, James Forrest and Mable Bowen Rikard of Mobile, AL. Jim lived a life marked by faith, service and an unwavering commitment to his family and the local recovery community.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Jan Rikard; his daughters, Lindsey (Matt) Nowell and Heather (Russell) Winnett; his sister, Alicia (Ken) Berner, his brother, Mark (Markie) Rikard; his adoring grandchildren Kelsey (Jacob) Antonio, Bailey (Annmarie) Winnett, Jackson Wallis, Jayden Wallis and Stella Nowell; as well as his pride and joy, his French bulldog, Sally. (pictured)

Jim attended Mobile's Murphy High School from 1964 to 1968. During his time there, he joined Theta Kappa Omega Fraternity. After graduation, he attended The University of South Alabama and studied Pre-Engineering from 1969 to 1970. He also studied Personal and Commercial Casualty Insurance during that time. In 1970, he enlisted in the Alabama Military Academy. He graduated with Class #16 in 1972 and proudly served his country as a member of Alabama's National Guard as an Airborne Ranger. Jim embodied the values of honor and courage along his journey to becoming appointed 2nd Lieutenant, Reserve, of the Army of the United States.

In the late 80's and early 90's, Jim's professional career was characterized by leadership and success, notably as one of the founding partners of Cooney, Rikard & Curtin, Inc. (known as CRC), a wholesale insurance brokerage company.

In 2011, Jim partnered with long-time friend, Tim Cross, to start Expedited Transport LLC, a military freight brokerage company. Over the next few years, they proceeded to start multiple freight brokerage companies together: Unit Move Logistics LLC, Hauling for Heroes LLC & Expedited Transport Agency Inc, also known as ETA.

Jim's life was marked by a profound dedication to helping others, a commitment that shone brightly through his 24 years of continuous sobriety, a journey he began on his 49th birthday. His involvement in Birmingham's recovery community, including participation in AA, Al-Anon, Twelve-Step sponsorship, and daily practice of hot yoga (pre-Covid, of course), highlighted his commitment to both personal and communal healing.

Jim's legacy of compassion is also reflected in the charitable organizations he helped found, Together We Serve and Keystone Club. Together We Serve is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction and loss. Keystone Club is also a non-profit that provides a dedicated space for Twelve Step meetings, accommodating a variety of fellowships. Both organizations are committed to fostering healing and providing support within the community.

At family and social events, Jim always lit up the room. Consistently armed with one of his hilarious anecdotes drawn from his rich life experiences, it was not unusual for Jim to entertain an entire table at any get-together and leave everyone laughing hysterically. To truly see Jim's eyes light up with excitement, one needed only to mention his beloved Crimson Tide. His fervor and depth of knowledge for Alabama football were unmatched; Jim could recount every triumph and lament each heartbreak as he could vividly recall each glorious victory and every gut-wrenching defeat. Finding a Tide fan as passionate as Jim would be impossible.

Jim's legacy is one of love, loyalty, and the quiet strength that guided him through life. To know Jim was to love Jim. An incredibly generous soul, Jim gave all his employees a gift for HIS 70th birthday. He also shared a picture with a quote that said, "Life Begins at 70!" We are sure Jim would agree that his life truly began its most glorious chapter at age 73, when he went to be with Jesus.

A funeral service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home on John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. There will be a public visitation from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm in the chapel and will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in-person. Jim would want you to come as you're comfortable, so please feel free to come as you are, it does not have to be a formal dress occasion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Keystone Club here or Together We Serve here.