Jim "The Broom Guy" Richter

Jim “The Broom Guy” Richter, 84, of Indianapolis, departed this life Thursday, May 26, 2022. He was born November 24, 1937 to the late Joseph and Ottilia (Luprich) Richter, who were Austrian immigrant farmers. Jim grew up and attended school initially in Starke County and then transferring to the Indiana School for the Blind. Jim worked on the family farm with seven siblings. Growing up blind with seven siblings on a farm taught him many life lessons. He grew to become resilient, dedicated, thoughtful and kind and learned of all the wonderful things life has to offer with the right attitude. He understood and appreciated the meaning of a hard day’s work. He was a stranger to no one, and truly enjoyed the moment when a stranger or old friend might strike a conversation with him. Jim enjoyed learning the stories of others and sharing his own story. Countless north side residents knew him as “The Broom Guy”. His fan club stretched six decades. His’ teepee’ of brooms, and a small radio nearby was his classic trademark. One day long ago, a school teacher at Greenbriar Elementary School thought to introduce herself out of curiosity. She too learned Jim’s story and invited him to share his story with her class. This gesture soon became an annual affair at the school that resulted with dozens of wonderful thank you notes and pictures that Jim cherished. Jim was a fan of Indianapolis Colts football and the Chicago Cubs. He had an eclectic taste in music and enjoyed sitting and relaxing to just about any type of music. Jim also had an electronic keyboard that he played around on when he had some spare time. In December, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn M. Richter. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Joe, Ceil, Louie, Rita and Ben. Jim is survived by his devoted sons, Andy (Pam) Richter, Randy (Jennifer) Richter and John (Lisa) Richter; his step-children, Gary (Kamia) Adams, Sharon (Steve) Battson and James (Donna) Adams; loving siblings, Tom Richter and Peg Karess; nine grateful grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren as well as a host of longtime customers, friends and admirers in Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 4 – 8 pm on Thursday, June 2nd at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel. Funeral services for Jim will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, June 3rd at the mortuary. Interment follows at Union Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers , memorial contributions are suggested in Jim’s name to: Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation.