INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Richter, Indianapolis' famed blind broom salesman, has died at the age of 84. Richter’s death was announced on his Facebook page by his son, Andy Richter.
Jim was a fixture at local post offices for decades. He learned his broom-building craft while attending the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Jim gained attention in 2016 when the U.S. Postal Service informed him that he would no longer be able to sell his brooms outside its post offices.
After his story got out, Jim received support not only from his loyal customers, but from House Speaker Brian Bosma and Gov. Mike Pence as well.
The U.S. The Postal Service eventually reversed course and allowed Jim to sell his brooms on post office property again – with a few new restrictions.
Jim took the news in stride.
"In spite of all the controversies that we have in life, if you just ride them out to the end, it's like riding a storm, and there's a rainbow at the end of that storm," Jim said.
According to Leppert Mortuaries, visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 2nd at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel.
Funeral services are at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3rd at the mortuary.
-
54-year-old man dies following house fire in Bartholomew County
The death of a 54-year-old Taylorsville man remains under investigation following a house fire Monday afternoon in Bartholomew County.
IMPD investigating fatal hit-and-run crash involving pedestrian
Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian on the city's west side Tuesday morning.
Downtown coffee shop workers advocate for increased wages and paid family leave
Baristas at Quills Coffee in Downtown Indy are pushing to improve pay and benefits. This comes as the minimum wage in Indiana is $7.25 — a number that hasn’t gone up since 2009.
Indianapolis woman shares recovery story to help others in their journey
An Indianapolis woman is sharing her recovery story, hoping to inspire others struggling with addiction to seek help.
