Joe D. Richards, known to many as “Sheriff Joe”, passed away on February 6, 2025. He was 88 years old.

Born in Lubbock, Texas on March 17th, 1936, Joe spent his life in Flagstaff. He attended Emerson Elementary School and Flagstaff High School, where he met and fell in love with Marilyn, his beloved wife and soulmate for more than 70 years. He follows her in death three short months after her passing, holding her hand for eternity.

Joe was a beloved father, and grandfather. He is survived by his four daughters: Roxane Jacobson, Julie Good, Dorie Cowan, and Elicia Marshall, all of whom attest to his character and faithfulness, from his life as a father at home, to the far reaches of the community where he lived, worked and loved. He had nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. His daughters called him Dad, his grandchildren called him Papah, but we all knew him as our superhero.

A lifelong learner, Joe was an FBI Academy graduate who earned his Master’s in Police Administration from Northern Arizona University. He served his community as the Sheriff of Coconino County for more than forty years. For those lucky enough to know him personally, he was a renaissance man—a well-known artist, runner, cowboy, outdoorsman, and above all, a man of great faith.

To those who worked with him, Joe was a committed public servant; someone who propped up his department, tirelessly serving others. To meet the man was to see immediately his profound love and dedication to the people of Coconino County, and beyond. He respected everyone—those in trouble, those in need, no matter which side of the law they found themselves. He was a man of integrity and empathy. In the corners of his life are the stories people tell of a man who lived unwaveringly for what he believed. To list all the ways in which he helped others would fill the pages of many books.

You are invited to celebrate his life with us at 11:00 am, Friday March 21st 2025, at Grace Community Church ‍4295 W. Route 66, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86001.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to C.O.P.S. Arizona Chapter, an organization who supports families who have lost love ones in the line of duty.

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