Richard ""Jim James Platz

January 8, 1966 - December 12, 2013

Jim passed away Thursday, December 12, 2013, in Collbran, CO while flying looking for cattle that weren't accounted for from summer pasture. He has left us to go on in Cowboy heaven. Jim was a Cowboy through and through.

Jim was born January 8, 1966, in Grand Junction, CO to Dick and Jody Platz. He is preceded in death by his father.

Jim attended schools in the Grand Valley and graduated from Gateway in 1984. His class was one of the biggest graduating classes from Gateway. His Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Wright, gave a speech at his graduation and presented him with his diploma.

Growing up, Jim participated in 4-H, basketball and baseball. Being a Cowboy was in his blood. He saw no other way to make a living, that is what he was meant to do in life and he wouldn't have had it any other way. He had been on a horse since he was two months old. Jim left us doing what he loved. He worked on a ranch when he was younger for the Craig family on the Uncompaghre. They bought the ranch from Jim's wife's grandparents. In addition to ranching, Jim was a rep for local sale barns and feedlots and drove a truck hauling cattle and hay.

He married Laurie Standifird in June of 2000 in Loma, CO. They lived in Fruita, ranched in Collbran in the summers, and wintered in Eastern Utah. With Jim everyday was an adventure. He loved his family and will be deeply missed by many.

Jim is survived by his wife, Laurie of Fruita; daughters, Misty Jones of New Mexico; Jessi and Kevin Grimsby of Fruita, and April and Shane McCormack of Fruita; sons, Clint Platz of New Mexico, and Matt Darnell of Grand Junction; sisters, JoAnn and Mike Hindson of Grand Junction, and Julie of Mesa, and brother, John of Mack; six grandchildren, with one on the way; three nieces; two nephews; three great-nephews; mother, Jody of Mack, and many aunts, cousins and adopted ranching families.

Jim was with his friend, Will Kennon and pilot, Dana Brewer, a trusted friend and pilot whom they had previously flown with before, looking for cattle. They were looking for the cattle that didn't make the fall gather. The two would do whatever they had to do to get every animal accounted for. They were going to find the strays and figure out their game plan to get them out of the snow banks and down from the high country for the winter.

Services will be Saturday, December 21, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Callahan-Edfast in Grand Junction, CO with burial following in Collbran, CO at the Clover Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Plateau Valley Cattlewoman's Association c/o Sylvia Spangler, P.O. Box 363 Collbran, CO 81624.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Dec. 18, 2013

Jim Platz

In Memoriam

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The family of Jim Platz wishes to thank everyone for thoughts and prayers - monetary help - physical support, and just being there during this difficult tragedy. All your actions of support and kindness will never be forgotten. Thoughts and Prayers to the Will Kennon Family and the Dana Brewer Family.

Laurie Platz

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Feb. 9, 2014

Richard James

Platz, Jr.

""Jim""

January 8, 1966 - December 12, 2013

It has been one year since you left us so suddenly. We think of you and miss you so much each day.

When we ride on the mountain or anywhere that cattle is involved, we think ""what would Jim do"". This year you have sent us on many of your ""Everyday's An Adventure"" rides. We think of you and everything seems to fall into place. We know that you are watching over us and are right there with us doing the jobs you have already done and making sure things are done to your specs.

You and Will probably get some good laughs watching us. Jim and Will Kennon rest in peace.

We love and miss you!

Your wife, Laurie Platz

April and Shane McCormack

J.J. ""Ponch"" and Hayli

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Dec. 12, 2014

Richard James ""Jim"" Platz, Jr.

January 8, 1966 - December 12, 2013

Two years have passed since you were taken away so suddenly. We think about you everyday, and miss you so much.Love you forever and always.

Laurie Platz

April and Shane McCormick

J.J. and Hayli

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Dec. 12, 2015