James S. Plunkett

Plunkett, James S.
1932-2011, James Stevens Plunkett of Scottsdale, Arizona and Port Washington, New York died on Saturday, March 5, 2011 after a ten month illness. He passed very peacefully and pain-free after a heroic struggle with heart disease with his long-term partner Lynne Ryan at his side, whom he loved very much. She was with Jim throughout the last 18 years and during his illness, providing untiring love and support. Jim enjoyed a very fulfilling and content life throughout his 78 years and is known by his family and friends for his love of classic and vintage cars, particularly convertibles, for which he frequently traded as his passionate hobby. He moved to Arizona from St. James, New York in 1992 for his long-term love of the warm "rust-free" climate. Jim was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to Eugene Plunkett and Florence Proulx and served in the United States Air Force in the Korean War from 1952-56 where he received the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Medal. He was married to Delores Musarra of Manhasset, New York for 29 years. He worked as a footwear salesman for Uniroyal Corporation. He traveled extensively with his family, road touring in the summer across the country visiting family, spectacular national parks and iconic landscapes along the way. He is survived by his brother, Richard Plunkett of Dallas, Texas and by his two children, Mark Stevens Plunkett and his wife Michelle Schouten of Miller Place, New York, and Donna Jean Plunkett of San Francisco, California. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, United States Marine Sergeant Brian Plunkett of New Bern, North Carolina, Jacqueline of Selden, New York and Danielle and Christian of Miller Place, New York. Jim is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Alaina Rae, daughter of Brian and his wife, United States Marine Corporal, Sondra Nowack. His loving nieces and nephews will fondly remember their Uncle Jim and include the children of Mary and Richard Plunkett, Kathleen, Suzanne, Jenifer, Meghan, John and James and the children of Connie and George Gulden, the late John, Virginia, Richard and Maureen. Jim had some very dear friends including his car buddies and their families on Long Island and in the local Scottsdale area that he loved and enjoyed immensely throughout his years. A memorial service will be forthcoming to celebrate his life and he will be buried at the Veteran's National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona and at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury, New York to join his parents. Jim's last days were made exceptionally comfortable due to the thorough care provided by Hospice of the Valley of Phoenix, Arizona. Friends & family please share memeories and condolences by visiting the online Guest Book at www.obits.azcentral.com