LTC(R) James Plaatsman, Sr., marched toward his final sunset in January 2026, in Hampton Roads, Virginia, at nearly 90 years of age.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest near the end of the Great Depression, Jim’s upbringing was heavily influenced by his dedicated and hardworking parents who endured much hardship as first- and second-generation immigrants. As a youth, Jim helped support his family’s farm; but he also had the freedom to explore the surrounding streams and woods, and loved every opportunity to fish, hunt, and construct elaborate downhill sled runs. As young adult, he was active in sports but also earned money for college working various jobs, including long hours at the lumber mill where his father also worked. Jim was the first in his family to attend college, leaving the West Coast to study in Michigan.
Upon graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer, led by his sense of duty to serve his country and his desire to travel the world. The Army delivered on its promise that Jim would accomplish both of these goals while in the service. He was stationed overseas for several years, including an early assignment where he met and married the love of his life, Joan, an Army nurse who outranked him first in the military, and then for the rest of his civilian life. Some acquaintances insisted their wedded bliss wouldn’t last a year; However, being both equally stubborn and committed to prove naysayers wrong, this devoted couple demonstrated that not only can “opposites attract”, but their bond can also endure, and they remained happily married over 60 years.
Jim served two tours in Vietnam and was among the advance team deployed to establish what became the largest U.S. Army hospital in Southeast Asia. Upon their arrival, there was no running water, no hospital, no base, no town. Even the temporary staging location was nothing more than scrub brush, a muddy field, and a handful of borrowed tents. Eventually becoming a key health complex, it grew exponentially and proved crucial during the TET Offensive, praised for its remarkable efficiency delivering casualties from field to ER. Jim was proud of his unit’s role in saving lives and easing the suffering of wounded service members who found care and comfort at the hospital.
Jim continued his education while in the military, earning an MBA and being honored to attend Armed Forces Staff College. After 20 years and countless change-of-address forms, he retired from the Army with an honorable discharge and an abundance of lifelong friendships. Jim reflected fondly on his military experience and the strong camaraderie among his fellow servicemembers.
Jim excelled at his civilian career in human resources: first at a chemical company and later at a hospital in Hampton Roads. In his leisure time, Jim supported his wife’s business, a decorative tole shop, volunteering as bookkeeper, woodcutter, and Assistant to the CEO. He also attended and served as deacon at his church. Jim devoted much time volunteering, including with one of the first certified Therapy Dog teams in Southside Hampton Roads hospitals. Jim and Joan and their “Kanine Kandystripers” made countless visits to local hospital and nursing care patients across Hampton Roads, including Wounded Warriers. When not volunteering, their dogs could be seen twice daily taking Jim for miles-long walks around their neighborhood.
Among Jim’s most memorable moments: surviving a face-to-face encounter with a deadly “3-Step-Snake” and witnessing THE eruption of Mt St Helens while on a Sunday morning jog. Among his most perilous: notifying his 8-months pregnant wife (and their two young children) that he would be departing for another year-long overseas tour.
Jim is survived by his wife Joan; sons Jim (wife Rena) and Steve (wife Pam); daughter Michelle (husband Mike); and their families, including six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Jim will be remembered for his compassion, his humor, his love for family, and the meaningful difference he made in his community. His family will be forever grateful for the sacrifices he made, the sense of duty he instilled, and the service-minded role model he was for us all.
A private funeral with full military honors was held at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. A Celebration of Life reception is planned for March 21, at The Chesapeake, in Newport News. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, or ASPCA.