James Ralph Pletcher

James (Jim) Ralph Pletcher, 76, of Woodland Park, CO, was called home peacefully to Jesus on Sunday, October 22, 2023. By his side was his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon.

Jim was born on September 19, 1947, in Brookville, PA, the third son to Thelma Louise and Harold E. Pletcher, Sr. He grew up in Clarion, PA. He was active in regular boyhood activities including Boy Scouts. In 1956 at age 9, he was diagnosed with what was then called Bright’s disease. He was in an oxygen tent in the hospital gravely ill. He recalled walking up the stairs with Jesus and asking Him if the marks in His hands still hurt. Jesus told him not anymore. Jim said he could look down and see the pastor trying to console his mother and father. Jesus then asked him if he wanted to stay or go back. He said, “go back ‘cause my mother is crying.” Jesus told him he would have to walk back down himself. He remembered then sitting up in the bed and seeing the look of astonishment on the faces of those present. Jim fully recovered continuing school to graduate from Clarion-Limestone High School in 1965.

In November 1966 Jim was drafted into the US Army. He trained to be an MP Sharpshooter and was sent to Vietnam taking an oath of silence, regarding his service there. All he ever shared was his routine of reading the Psalms to never lose sight of his Savior. A true man of his word, he never revealed anything regarding his military duties while deployed.  Through his commitment to serve, Jim received several medals to include “National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.”

In 1967 while on a short leave, Jim went on a blind date with college student Sharon Lee Hunt of New Castle, PA. Jim’s kind nature showed through proving their union was meant to be. He taught Sharon to bowl that night and he later accompanied her to her Prom. In 2 years, they were married and have enjoyed 54 years of adventures including cruises, camping and many road trips. Jim was always willing to go and graciously invited family members to join them.

In 1971 Jim received instruction from the North American School of Conservation. In 1972 he received his Certification in Wildlife Management Techniques.

An avid hunter, fisherman, and all-around outdoorsman, Jim formed a special bond with his father-in-law William W Hunt through the many trips into the forest to hunt or fish. Friends and family both local and out of state came to hunt with Jim and he thrived on the experiences. The laughter at the table after a day out in the mountains renewed your soul.

Jim was a kind, gentle man offering his advice to any who sought it. His generous spirit fit in with the Hunt family well. He was an additional older brother to his younger brothers-in-law, though when he’d had enough of their pestering one time, he tied them to a tree! A story that was told often with humor. He taught a younger sister-in-law to drive a stick shift in his Comet and offered his knowledge about guns, reloading ammo and hunting to all.

Jim is survived by his wife Sharon L., his brother Duane K. (Carole) Pletcher of Bradenton, FL. Sister-in-law Joan Pletcher of Clarion, PA, Brother-in-law William (Marianne) Hunt of Boulder, CO, Sister-in-law Susan Zimmer of Sahuarita, AZ, Sister-in-law Kathy (Rick) Cirka of West Cliff, CO, Brother-in-law Samual (Jennifer) Hunt of Monument, CO, Brother-in-law Daniel (Becky) Hunt of Newberry, MI, several nieces and nephews, grand nephews and grand nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother, Harold E Pletcher, Jr.

Jim was an active member of Mountain View UMC. He had served as a trustee, and other various roles throughout the years. He shared with Pastor Jeff from Mountain View UMC recently, that people need to know “God is in charge, we are not. Listen to His word. God is here beside us and in us – not just when we call but all the time.”

A Celebration of Death and Resurrection service with the Rev Handi Jo Dolloff-Holt presiding, will be held on November 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at Mountain View United Methodist Church 1101 Rampart Range Rd, Woodland Park, CO 80863 with a light luncheon immediately following the service in the fellowship hall at the church. All are welcome to attend for a time of remembering the good times with Jim.

Interment will be at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to the Mountain View UMC Trustees.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Ralph Pletcher, please visit our floral store.