PLATT, James S.
Kalamazoo
On Sunday, November 6, 2022, James “Jim”, age 90, passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 5, 1932, to the late Russell and Hilda (Luedecking) Platt. After graduating Kalamazoo Central High School in 1950, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as Corporal in the 2nd Division in Korea. Upon his return from service, he attended Pine Lake Vocational School and later worked at Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He retired in 1990 after working there for over 34 years and went on to work at WMU for several years. On May 27, 1955, he was united in marriage to Sallie (Glenn) after which they had three children: Susan (Jim) Centilla, Mary (Steve) Deneau and James Winfield (Laura) Platt. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He was also an accomplished pianist. Jim was very proud of his service to his country and would tell everyone about his experience in Korea. He was a patriot to the end.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Hilda; his sister, Evelyn (Walters) and his brother, Russell Norman. He is survived by his wife, Sallie; his three children and their spouses; his sister-in-law, Jean Warfield; eight grandchildren, Justin, Angie, Elizabeth, Adam, Rachael, Kayla, Devon, Aliya and twelve great-grandchildren, Gavin, Zaden, Cameron, Kayla, Noah, Aydan, Allison, Alyza, Marek, Tayson, Legend and Jeymari; as well as several nieces and nephews.
For over 50 years, Jim was a member of the NSSA (North South Skirmish Association) and the 19th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, where he participated in competition shooting and was awarded many trophies and medals for being a marksman. Jim LOVED the civil war and loved sharing his knowledge of it with everyone. His family were the beneficiaries of numerous camping trips to locations near and far which many times included visits to civil war battlefields and historic sites. There were many opportunities to take part in displaying authentic costumes that he, his wife, Sallie, and daughter, Mary, handmade. Jim inspired many people to share in his love of history and competition shooting, including his daughter, son, grandchildren and many other family members and co-workers from Bell Telephone. For many years, he was a member of The Civil War Round Table and occasionally was a speaker, as well as a member of the NRA, VFW and American Legion.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. Jim was a member of Westwood United Methodist Church, where a memorial service will be held at 538 Nichols Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49006, on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 11:00 am. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 10:00 am, and a luncheon will follow the memorial service. Interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery will take place with full military honors on Friday, November 25, 2022 at 2:00 pm (those planning to attend should meet at the Funeral Assembly area at the entrance of the cemetery by 1:45 PM). Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center or SPCA of Southwest Michigan.