Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Alan Pletcher
James Alan Pletcher
Obituary
Guest Book
James Pletcher Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
D
May 4, 2024
I was a student of Professor Pletcher at Brooklyn College, where I took a Classics course with him, and desperately wish I had taken more. He had a ferocious passion for his subject. He was inspirational. He profoundly shaped my understanding of the ancient world and how it relates to myself and the present world at large. He was admired by many young ladies, as well, for multiple reasons. I wish I had stayed in touch. RIP Professor Pletcher, you were a real one.
L
February 27, 2024
James Pletcher was my professor at Brooklyn College and left a great impact in my college career and even beyond. He not only inspired my love for classical culture but I also took a philosophy class with him that I think about to this day. Quite literally the class impacted how I think about the world and my place in it (and in some ways it even impacted my career path). I recently wanted to reach out to James to let him know just that and came across this page. I am sorry I didn´t reach out sooner. To the family - I´m very sorry for your loss. I hope you know your son would be tremendously missed by more people than I think he knew.
I remember James talked about writing short stories. If there is any work that you wouldn´t mind sharing, would you mind sending it? I would love to read it.
Jacinta
June 3, 2023
I was just suddenly thinking about Jim and wondering how he was, and I found this. My heart is broken. Gerri, you probably don´t know me, but Jim and I dated in Brooklyn in the early 2000s. He meant the world to me, and I wanted to thank you for raising him to be the kindest, gentlest, funniest, most intelligent, sweetest soul. I will always cherish the memories I have with him.
Jenn Autumn Li
September 6, 2020
Professor Pletcher was one of my favorite professors at Brooklyn College, certainly the most enthusiastic and probably the funniest. There is one particular memory that I've always treasured: After returning from Thanksgiving break to our Intro to Classical Cultures class, no one - myself included - seemed to have read up on Aeneid, and there were nearly no hands up for the questions after questions Professor Pletcher asked. In response, he chuckled and said, "Oh no! Sounds like too much turkey and too little Aeneid." I found that one liner so funny that I scribbled it on the corner of my notes.
Whenever he lectured, rambled on about Dionysus or recounted memories of the past, he would beam with curiosity. He genuinely loved teaching, and in his teaching, I was transformed. I will treasure everything I have learned from Professor Pletcher, as well as the abundance of notes that I have kept from his classes. I have faith that his influence ripples onwards and onwards, that the knowledge and inspiration he instilled in his students will continue to shape lives and, by consequence, the world.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Roman Blekhman
August 29, 2020
Dearest Pletcher family,
James and I crossed paths at Brooklyn college where he was my professor. I didn't know at the time, but boy was I in for a treat. Professor Pletcher is someone I remember fondly, our conversations about Greek myth, his fondness for yellow sneakers, and general charisma in the classroom has yet to be matched by any other Professor I've had. He was an absolute gem of a professor and I will cherish the memories of his classroom and our conversations forever. Truly sad learning about his passing, even though I was merely a student, I have a profound sadness in my heart. James Pletcher will be missed, but at least now God has someone to keep him company.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] , if there is any of his writings about Greek myth or Roman myth you could forward to me that would be greatly appreciated it. My condolences once again.
Have a blessed weekend.
Roman Blekhman
Joshua Ali
August 14, 2020
Mr Pletcher must have been the one favorite professor I had in Brooklyn College. He had so much passion for Greek history, but that passion bled through for us students and the people around him. He would always ramble on about how things were unjust about current events and how he felt about us and our generation. I remember his last YouTube video for the semester, he shed some tears about missing us and hoping everyone is okay. I will dearly miss him.
Nadia A
July 29, 2020
I had Professor Pletcher countless times as a undergraduate student in Brooklyn College a decade ago. I wanted to email him about my accomplishments as a teacher since I learned so much from him and he made such a positive impact throughout my college years and my own teaching. As I was looking for his email recently, I saw that he had passed away. This was so sad and devastating. Professor Pletcher was a great person and was very passionate and caring. His love for Classics and his teaching inspired me to minor in Classics and I took as many classes as I can with him. He also taught us about humanity and empathy. He had a great amount of knowledge on so many topics. He inspired so many and many admired him. He will never be forgotten. I will always remember Professor Pletcher and everything he taught me.He touched so many people's lives. He was a great person and was there for you. My condolences to his family. May God give you patience during this tough time.
Avram Alter
July 13, 2020
I had Professor Pletcher as a lecturer last fall. I remember how personable he was, and how passionate he was in his teaching others. More so, I remember how he would always have time for me, whether it was via email or if it was just happening to meet him on the street. I am extremely saddened to hear of his passing, and the world is now a little worse than it was.
Ilona Struzik
June 22, 2020
Jim was my professor but he became my friend. We had many great conversations about life, our shared love of film and music, and disdain for the overrated Beatles. He recommended songs for my coronavirus playlist and we exchanged many, many jokes during the difficult times of quarantine. Jim is one of those rare souls that you meet and instantly connect with and know you will be lifelong friends. I only wish I got to know him more. Jim will be an eternal friend that I will never forget. He was a truly wonderful person that will be missed by so many. My heart aches for Jim and everyone processing his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends in this profoundly difficult time. The song is ended. But the melody lingers on. You and the song are gone. But the melody lingers on.
Angel Unger
June 19, 2020
I could not have been more shocked to hear about Jim and my deepest condolences go out to Gerri and his family. I know how very proud Bob and Gerri were of Jon and Jim and to leave this world so early and unexpected reminds me to be kind, love to the fullest and laugh a lot everyday. If nothing more, I know that Jim was loved, and he left an amazing wake behind him that was felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Carolyn (Perpetua) Astfalk
June 14, 2020
I shared many classes with Jim in high school and recall his easy smile, his conviction, and his intelligence. May eternal light shine upon him and may he rest in peace. So sorry for the family's loss.
Eric Kramer
June 14, 2020
He was looked up to by us younger wrestling teammates. We admired him for his hard work and effort. He helped teach and inspire the younger wrestlers. I remember him being a nice guy and I'm glad he used his talents to go on to be a teacher. May he revel in the future success of his students as he enjoys his reward in Heaven from our loving and merciful God.
James Burdick
June 12, 2020
When I was a student at Brooklyn College, my classmates called me Little Pletch. I was embarrassed that my adoration of Jim was so obvious, and did my best to avoid the title. Now I am proud to have had it. Jim made me fall in love with not just with teaching and classics, but with beauty itself. He made me a better person, and he is one of the reasons I am a teacher today. He was a superb human, and I will miss him.
James Burdick
June 12, 2020
When I was a student at Brooklyn College, my classmates called me Little Pletch. I was embarrassed that my adoration of Jim was so obvious, and did my best to avoid the title. Now I am proud to have had it. Jim made me fall in love with not just with teaching and classics, but with beauty itself. He made me a better person, and he is one of the reasons I am a teacher today. He was a superb human, and I will miss him.
James Burdick
June 12, 2020
When I was a student at Brooklyn College, my classmates called me Little Pletch. I was embarrassed that my adoration of Jim was so obvious, and did my best to avoid the title. Now I am proud to have had it. Jim made me fall in love with not just with teaching and classics, but with beauty itself. He made me a better person, and he is one of the reasons I am a teacher today. He was a superb human, and I will miss him.
Nolan Frontera
June 12, 2020
Taught me all there is to know about reading and understanding greek tragedy. Truly a man with a great mind. Thank you professor.
Eddie Bujans
June 12, 2020
He was a great professor and I looked forward to his classes. I enjoyed talking to him about life.
Antonio Aubry
June 12, 2020
I write this with deep regret and sadness. James was head and shoulders above the professors that I had at Brooklyn College or elsewhere. I was in one of James' courses in three separate semesters. The eloquence, knowledge, and passion that was expressed during his lectures commanded the attention of his students whether it was in a lecture hall or a more typical classroom. I say this without hyperbole; James changed my life. It is largely due to him that I am now a voracious reader. He will be deeply missed.
Luann & Jeff Fennick
June 12, 2020
With heartfelt sympathies Gerri. Sending you lots of love and wishing you much peace at this very sad time. xoxo Luann & Jeff Fennick
Rava Raab
June 12, 2020
I adored Professor Pletcher so much that I ended up taking multiple classes of his even though they had nothing to do with my major. He was always so entertaining, informative, and willing to sit down and talk shop with students. He will be dearly missed and I am grateful to have met him and felt his impact. I am keeping his family in my heart.
Billy Michaca
June 12, 2020
The discussions in his class, most notably about the Iliad, are among the most poignant and influential memories of my time at Brooklyn College. Deeply saddened to hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Heather Barlow
June 12, 2020
I knew Jim from his time at Penn and Philo specifically. One of my favorite photos from our time at Penn is of Jim and me in black tie attire playing midnight croquet on College Green. Most of our conversations were about C.S. Lewis, losing faith and finding faith - we were rarely of the same opinion. We were close enough that he came home with me on break once and I still have letters he wrote from St Andrew's and e-mails later lamenting the decline of handwritten letters. We lost touch after I joined the Navy and I'm devastated to think we'll never have the chance to meet in the Halls again. May his memory be a blessing.
Chris Bland
June 12, 2020
Sorry to hear this very sad news. My thoughts are with the family.
Philip Thibodeau Thibodeau
June 12, 2020
Jim and I shared an office at Brooklyn College. I miss him terribly, to the point of tears, and so does everyone we worked with, and all the students whose lives he touched. I cannot tell you how many students would come in, from all walks of life, every race, creed, and color, who were inspired by his teaching or who saw him as someone who wanted to listen to them tell their stories and coach them through any difficulties they were having either in the course or in their lives. One moment he could tell funny stories and go on about sports and music and be laughing away, and then a student would come in and he would be the kindest and most sensitive father figure for them, patiently hearing them out. Multiply that by hundreds of student per year, for more than fifteen years... He died too early, but he helped and saved many lives along the way, gave so much good advice, told and heard so many human stories, and he worked so hard at all he did... his was a full life. He was a radical human being. I miss him so.
Rich Pietras
June 11, 2020
I met Jim after I moved from Pa. to Brooklyn in 2012 to work at Hostos Community College, also a CUNY college. I was looking for a place in the neighborhood to watch the Steelers, and I found one ... but, more importantly, I found Jim. We would meet on game days more often than not and talk work, life and the team, of course. His knowledge was off the charts on just about anything. During the games, he would often text with his mom, to whom I want to send my sincerest condolences, along with all of his family and friends. I switched to Brooklyn College late last year, and I was happy to run into Jim there, too. I will truly miss him. Steeler Sundays will never be the same. RIP.
Sharon Higham
June 11, 2020
My heart is hurting for you and your family. There are no words that could possibly be said. Listening and hearing are the best support I can offer. Sending love and hugs as you walk this journey. You are never alone
Arilys Palacios
June 11, 2020
My condolences to the family. May all the beautiful memories shared help you through this difficult time.
Kim Yanuskiewicz
June 11, 2020
I'm so sorry ~ words can't express how sad. I'm thinking of you all & praying for you Jim will never be forgotten. Love you, Gerri. xxoo
Peter Coyle
June 11, 2020
Jim was a devoted educator and friend. I can't express how big a loss this is.
Evangelos Bourlotos
June 11, 2020
My condolences. I met him while I was there. So sorry
Yosef Travis
June 10, 2020
Professor Pletcher made the Greek and Roman classics come alive. His passion and sheer good humor could take a class of students trying to fulfill a core requirement and instill in them a desire to understand the intricacies of the Iliad. I took a class with Professor Pletcher over a decade ago and I can still vividly recall his enthusiasm and keen observations. He was also always available to students and could often be found on the quad long after class answering questions and resolving confusing texts. Most importantly, he conveyed to each and every student in that lecture hall how much he cared about them, academically and personally. He will be missed.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in James Pletcher's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Pletcher's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more