James Arthur Plangger

James “Jim” Plangger, 82, of Eau Claire passed away at home on Dec. 21, 2021.

Jim was born Nov. 25, 1939 in St. Joseph, to Arthur and Bertha Plangger. He and his brother, Dave, attended school in Berrien Springs where Jim was a class member of the 1958 Shamrocks. He and his classmates still met monthly for breakfast and he had attended as recently as two weeks ago.

He enjoyed years of outdoor activities (mostly fishing) with his son, Jeff, and best buddy, Mark Huebner. In recent times, he loved family gatherings and Sunday breakfast at Bob Evans with all of his kids.

Jim retired from operating heavy road equipment and machinery in 2002 after many, many years. There was nothing he couldn’t move or drive!

Jim is survived by his wife, the former Linda Piper of Dowagiac; his son, Jeff (Christy) Plangger; two daughters, Jayme Neumann and Julie (Richard) Ridenour; two step-daughters, Connie (Dan) Keller-Smith and Kathy Bishop; seven grandchildren: Lindsey (Dr. Michael) Denuyl, Shane (Carly) Ridenour, Alex Neumann, Danny (Melissa) Henley, Tasha (Kyle) Patterson, Justin Elliott, Kyle Hatfield; and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, his brother, David, preceded him to heaven in 2019.

A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 613 Court Street, St. Joseph, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. A luncheon will be provided at Trinity after a short burial service at Spring Run Cemetery Scottdale, St Joseph. Share online www.bowermanfuneral.com.

The family would like to especially thank Melody and Anita of Caring Circle for the dedicated care of Jim in these last few months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CaringCircle.org or Trinity Lutheran Church in memory of Jim.