James (Jim) Oatman, age 46, from Trinchera, CO was called home to Jesus on July 17, 2025. He spent the last 2 months of his life in a hard-fought battle with Sepsis at Memorial Central Hospital, Colorado Springs.
Jim was born in Raton, NM September 29, 1978, to Ina Mae Strasia Oatman and Dean Oatman. He attended Hoehne Schools from Kindergarten through Graduation in 1997. Jim was an active member of the Las Animas County 4-H community holding various offices at both the club and County level. He showed horses, breeding beef, market beef, breeding sheep and market sheep at the Las Animas County Fair as well as showing market beef at the Colorado State Fair and National Western Stockshow.
Following graduation from High School Jim attended the University of Wyoming where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. While at the University of Wyoming he was a member of the Rodeo Team qualifying for the National College Rodeo Finals in Team Roping during his senior year.
Jim worked as a ranch hand on ranches in Wyoming, South Dakota and Colorado. He returned home to Trinchera following a severe accident that required several years of therapy and recuperation. He then helped and eventually took on the day-to-day operations on the family ranch near Branson.
Jim’s oldest son, Cole, was born while living in South Dakota; his youngest, Coy, was born not long after his accident in Colorado.
Jim enjoyed working with his horses and his dogs. He was always eager to help neighbors and friends working cattle during their busy seasons. You might find him close to home or in northern Colorado, or even central Nebraska helping friends. While some tasks were difficult for him to complete, he never gave up, he always found a way to get the job done.
Jim was a member of the Branson Community Church and very much enjoyed Sunday mornings in fellowship with the congregation and enjoyed the opportunity to visit with everyone there.
Jim was preceded in death by his Grandparents; Charley and Gabe Strasia, Dale and Delmira Oatman. His mother Ina Mae Strasia Oatman and several Aunts and Uncles.
He is survived by his father, Dean Oatman (and fiancée Linda Scott); brother Jeff (Melinda) Oatman, sons Cole and Coy. Nephews Hadley, Haxton and Hudson Oatman; numerous Aunts and Uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins as well as numerous good and special friends.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on August 1, 2025, at 10:00am at the Branson School.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Jim can be made to either the Las Animas County 4-H Foundation: 200 E. 1st, Courthouse Rm 104, Trinidad, CO 81082 -or- Branson Community Church: POB 23, Branson CO 81027
