James Platt Van Orman

On March 4, 2026, James Platt Van Orman passed after one hell of a fight with cancer. James left us peacefully at age 66 in his home, which he built in an earlier time of his life.

James was born July 22, 1959, in Bountiful, Utah, to Wilford Smith and Laural Jane Platt Van Orman. He was brought to a loving home filled with brothers and sisters.

James excelled in outdoor activities. His love for the outdoors extended to his last days. His favorite outdoor hobbies included fishing, hunting, motorcycles, dirtbikes, hot rods, concerts, campfires, races, hockey, water skiing, snow skiing, cliff jumping, horseback riding, river rafting, camping, cooking, snowmobiling, and anything else that could be done in the great outdoors. 

These weren't just hobbies to him, it was his way of living. He extended his love and knowledge of his skills to his 4 children, Riley, Willey, Karley, and Abbey. 

He taught his kids how to work hard and play harder. James's hard work and work ethic shined through from his first job at 12 years old to his last job at 65. Job titles include farmer, stable boy, truck driver, tree trimmer, iron worker, crane erector, bridge builder, welder, and an at home chief. 

James was an honest, kind, humble, tender, spiritual, talented, personable, gentle giant. He was a friend, Dad, brother, brotha, and Mpa. James cherished his friendships and family above all else. He will be incredibly missed. 

James is preceded in death by his Dad, Mom, sisters, Sharon Rose, Sharolyn Rae, and brother, Roy. He is survived by his siblings: Mark, Clark, Jeanie, Judy, Barbara, Shirley, and Vickey. Also, his children and his 8 grandchildren, whom he loved and adored more than life! 

James's family would like to thank the hospital and hospice staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute. His care teams, ICU nurses, and his doctors. 

Friends and family may call Friday, March 13, 2026 from 6 to 8 at the Bountiful Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 am with a viewing from 9:45 to 10:45 am at the Canyon Park Ward, 1190 East Bountiful Hills Drive. 

We will be celebrating his life at the Jeep Posse Club House, 250 West 1050 South in Bountiful, later that day at 5 pm.

Services will be streamed live.