James Porter Hoffman

On March 3, 2017, a window to the history of Ft. Collins closed for the last time. James Porter Hoffman, son of Coy and Fay Hoffman, grandson of John and Francis Hoffman and great grandson of John and Emily Coy, homesteader and founder of Ft. Collins, passed away peacefully at home. Jim was born in 1924 in Midwest WY during the early days of the oil boom. His father, who left the farm to become an honored pioneer and leader in the oil industry, instilled in Jim a deep love for the earth and her bounty. He lived many places as a child, following the oil, but by the time he was in high school, the call of the land led him back to his roots and the family farm. With an Ag degree from Colorado Agricultural College, (CSU) he was ready.

In 1950 Jim married Beverley Mickey who had introduced him to a Jesus Christ forever changing his life. Beverly tragically died in child birth with their fourth child in 1957. God graciously brought Ruth Norman into Jim's life in 1958 and the romance of a lifetime was begun. Ruth thrived on the farm adding two children completing the family.

The farm produced not only agricultural bounty but the unforgettable joy of growing up as only farm kids can for the next generation. By the mid 80's, with the passing of his parents and the last child launched, Jim was able to 'park the plow' for the last time and use the land to fund many years of RV travel and volunteer ministry.

During their final years, Jim and Ruth enjoyed quiet days in their home by Park Wood Lake, encouraging their kids as they raised the grand's and the great grand's! As time grew short, Jim used the family homestead for one last insightful purpose. The lease of the land to a golf course company had served its purpose. The homestead would now leave a final legacy and testament to the foresight of those early pioneers. Woodward Inc. was the chosen buyer to take the land that was the birthplace of Ft. Collins into the future for generations to come.

Seven generations of John Coy's descendants have been born here sense he staked his claim in 1862. Jim, you were the last to farm it and the visionary to see it safely into good hands. Your faithfulness to Jesus, your devotion to raising your children with the values of Christ and family and setting that example for future generations, is beyond measure. Well done faithful one! This window has closed, but Heaven's gates have opened wide! Thank you, dad, for the gift of you!
Jim is survived by his children, David and Dan (Sandra) Hoffman, Heather (Neal) Wolhart and Philip Hoffman, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. His beloved wife Ruth passed in Jan, 2016 and his daughter Cindi Hamar in Dec. 2015.

A Celebration of Life will be held March 17, 2017, 3:00 p.m. at Front Range Baptist Church, 625 E Harmony Road reception to follow. Donations may be made to Wycliffe Ministries, PO Box 628200, Orlando FL 32862.