James Richard Avati's Obituary
Surrounded by his loving wife and children, James Richard Avati peacefully departed from this world on August 26, 2025 at 12:34 p.m.
James Avati aka Rick, Jim, Dad, or Grandpa Jim was born April 20, 1950, to James Sante Avati and Jane Hammell Avati. He grew up in Red Bank, New Jersey, and spent his youth surfing the waves of the east coast.
Jim studied at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, the Art Students League in New York City, Rick’s College, and Brigham Young University. He earned a master’s of fine arts from the University of Utah. He was a master sculptor, secured several life size commissions throughout his career, and taught as an assistant university professor.
Jim served as a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Los Angeles and South Korea, where he shared his deep faith and love for the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Upon returning from his mission, Jim married the love of his life, Deborra Riddle, on August 31, 1978, in the Washington D.C. temple.
After their marriage Jim and Debbie moved to Utah to pursue further education. They ended up settling down there to raise their family and were blessed with four children, Rebecca (Ryan), Andrew, Melissa (Chris), and Sara (Dallin). Later they welcomed ten grandchildren, Manuel, Megan, Daniel, Claire, Lincoln, Thea, Tori, Jayne, Elsie, and Adelyn.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother Christopher, and sister Laurie, Jim is survived by his wife Debbie, four children, stepfather Robert Myer, siblings Zan, Marghi, Betsi, Sally, Jennifer, and Timothy, and many dear friends, nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.
Jim was generous, honest, hardworking, and sensitive in his art and his life. He was always kind to animals, and loved birds. He deeply felt his emotions, and appreciated beautiful things in this world, including fine art, good books, nature, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had a quick wit, loved long philosophical conversations, had a great sense of humor, and loved to play with his grandkids.
Jim has left a beautiful legacy of integrity, love, deep thought, humor, and faith, which will bless his family for generations to come. While he watches over his family from Heaven, he will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 5th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 1111 E. Charlton Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing beforehand from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. For those unable to attend the funeral services in person, a Zoom broadcast has been made available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84479524382
Meeting ID: 844 7952 4382
Graveside services will immediately follow at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117.
Jim’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rachel and all of the compassionate caregivers from the Atlas team.
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