James P Latta

James P Latta
December 2, 1933 ~ November 28, 2022

James Patrick Latta of Delta, Colorado, passed away in Delta on November 28, 2022, just four days shy of his 89th birthday.
Jim was born December 2, 1933, in White Deer, Texas, to John E. and Bessie M. (Pryor) Latta. He spent his childhood in Delta and graduated from Delta High School in 1951. After high school, he went to work for the railroad as a telegraph operator, and
started taking flying lessons in Hurley, New Mexico. In 1955 he joined the United States Air Force where he earned his fighter pilot wings and rose to the rank of Captain.
While stationed in New York, Jim met and married June M. Zillig from Newburgh, New York. After spending a year overseas in Japan, Jim and June started their family stateside while living in several different states, including Alabama, Virginia and North
Dakota. Jim left the Air Force in 1967 to fly commercial airliners for Pan American World Airways. Jim and June eventually settled in Eckert to raise their two sons. Jim retired from Pan Am in 1990.
Retirement allowed Jim to enjoy the things he loved which included his dog and his livestock, along with a few real estate projects. He shared much of his remaining years with his second wife Chris McVaugh who shared his love of horses on their farm in Eckert.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John, Tom, and Bill, and sisters Edwina, Ernestine, Beatrice and Thurleen.
Jim is survived by his brother Larry Latta, two sons James (DeEtta) Latta and John (Nanette) Latta, four grandchildren Samantha (Cody) Paiva, Rachael (Carter) Stoudt, Ryan (Adrianna) Latta, and Jacob Latta, and two great-grandchildren Mason and
Henry.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.
View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralservice.com