James E Koontz

Obituary James Edgar Koontz, age 84 of Fort Collins, Colorado passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at Spring Creek Nursing Home in Fort Collins. James was born to Otis Everett and Effie (Messamore) Koontz on September 22, 1936 in Colby, Kansas. He graduated from Colby High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. James served his country from 1957 to 1959. While stationed in Okinawa, James was introduced to the art of Judo. He was a 4th degree black belt in Judo, which qualified him to train others. He also earned a brown belt in karate. When James was honorably discharged from the Marines, he went to school at Colorado State University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in journalism, with minors in anthropology, and criminology. He was also president of the Colorado State University Judo Club. James worked as a truck driver for some time and as a water treatment plant operator and supervisor in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. James lived most of his adult life in the Denver metro area as well as Fort Collins, Colorado. He was the friendliest person and often looked after his neighbors and friends. He was the ultimate father figure, the best. He enjoyed researching his ancestors and finding out more about his genealogy. James is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Lyle Koontz and sister, Leola (Koontz) Spencer. He is survived by his sons, Jim and his wife Elizabeth Koontz of Johnstown, Colorado and Jesse and his wife Ginger Koontz of Temple, Texas. He is also survived by four precious granddaughters: Morgan, Janelle, McKenna, and Jayma, along with many other family and friends. He will be laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Collins, Colorado on November 4, 2020 with a small family service. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of James E Koontz, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Read More Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of James E Koontz