John N. Cordts III of Highlands Ranch, Colo.

John N. Cordts III, a resident of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, at Porter Hospice Facilities in Centennial, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 26, 1928, in Kingston, N.Y., he was the son of the late John N. Cordts Jr. and Katharine Dean Cordts.

He married Vanvimol Jalichandra Cordts on Oct. 21, 1970, in Galena, Alaska.

As a youth, he was active in Scouting and attained the Eagle Scout designation. John attended Kingston High School and graduated from Chesire Academy. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for two years before being honorably discharged. He was a graduate of Colorado Technical University.

As a young man, he was employed by Feeney Reliance Marine Company and the Moran Towing Corporation, where he became a licensed engineering officer. Always interested in nature, travel and adventure, he sought employment in remote parts of the world. While in Greenland, he was employed by the Burns and Roe Company, working at 6594 Aerospace Test Wing on a YFP-power ship. He later worked as a civilian at Campion Air Force Base in Alaska. Following the completion of a training program in San Francisco, he was sent by the Philco Corporation to Thailand for two years, where he helped to install and maintain a microwave station.

John returned to Alaska and resided in Galena while serving at the Campion Air Force Base as power plant supervisor in charge of civilian and military personnel. Before retiring from that position, he was awarded a commendation for excellence for operating the best of the 13 power plants in Alaska at that time. While in Galena, he founded Rambuco LTD, a corporation with interests in construction, heavy equipment, liquor retail, marine sales and rentals. He owned a gold mine in Ruby, Alaska, and obtained a private pilot’s license to better oversee his interests and operations. In 1975, at the invitation of the Regional Planning Commissioner Michael Tanner, John served as an advisor, helping municipalities implement new regulations following the passage of the Alaska Nature Claims Act. Upon sale of his holdings in Alaska, he and his family relocated to Colorado Springs, where he and his wife Vanvimol owned a real estate company before retiring. John’s primary interest was always his family and he worked hard at staying connected with old friends. He enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, and traveling throughout the world.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vanvimol Cordts; devoted son, Joseph Cordts and his wife Yulee Cordts of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; and two grandchildren, Taylor Cordts and Charlee Cordts. Also surviving are two sisters, Carol M. Heine of Kingston, N.Y., Matilda C. Davenport and husband William W. Davenport of Stone Ridge, N.Y., and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Katherine Louise Cordts Acker; niece, Carol Acker, and nephew, Harold John Acker.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Colorado VFW. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, Highlands Ranch, Colo. 80123, with the Rev. Gregory W. Bierbaum officiating. Local arrangements are under the guidance of Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home Inc., 27 Smith Ave., Kingston. Inurnment will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Kingston, N.Y. A memorial Mass will be scheduled at St. Joseph’s Church, Kingston, N.Y., at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to St. Mark Church, 9905 Foothills Canyon Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, Colo. 80129, or any VFW organization available online.