James Platz

James R. Platz, age 68, of Lake City, formerly of Girard, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday January 8, 2019 at St. Vincent Health Center.

He was born on November 23, 1950, on Thanksgiving Day, the son of the late Richard C. and Anna McCoy Killian Platz.

Jim attended Rice Avenue Union High School in Girard where he wrestled, played basketball and football.  Graduating in 1968, he went on to serve in the U.S. Army and served in the National Guard for many years.   

Once he returned from the Army, he worked various jobs and became a Machinist and Test Loop Operator at the former Copes Vulcan in Lake City.  Jim worked there over 40 years until the closing of the plant and continued under the new owner SPX until he retired. He was a hard worker and a great friend to all, helping in any way he could.  Jim enjoyed life and loved to tell stories, hunting, fishing and his friends including those at the Girard American Legion.  Above all, he loved his family, especially his granddaughters Elizabeth and Isabelle who he loved to spend time with.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death his daughter, Kimberly Ann in infancy.

Jim is survived by his companion, Missy Hoffman;  his two children, Wendy Meka and her husband, Joseph of Lake City and Jeff Platz and his husband Eric of Cleveland, Ohio; and their mother, Linda Platz of Girard; and his brother, Roger Platz and his wife Cecelia of Lake City.  He is further survived by his granddaughters, Elizabeth and Isabelle Meka, two close nephews Brian and Mike and many other nieces and nephews. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Burton Funeral Home, Girard and were private and held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the family in care of Burton Funeral Home.

Condolences can be sent to www.Burtonfuneralhomes.com