James Jerill Plunkett

1958 - 2024

James (Jerry) Jerill Plunkett

October 3, 1958 - March 29, 2024

SEATTLE, Washington - James Jerill Plunkett, known as "Jerry" or "Dad" to those who knew him best, passed away peacefully at 11:11 AM on Friday, March 29th, 2024 at his home in Seattle, WA, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry's 65 year journey started in Charleston, West Virginia on October 3rd, 1958, marking the beginning of a life characterized by love, laughter, and an unbreakable spirit.

He was greeted on the other side by his father, John (Jack) Richard Plunkett Sr., his mother, Dolores Queen Plunkett, his older brother, Thomas (Tom) Jennings Plunkett, and his nephew Evan William Plunkett. His legacy is carried on by his daughters, Kathryn (Katie) Elizabeth Plunkett, Hannah Marie Plunkett, and Megan James Plunkett, his former wife and lifelong best friend, Carolyn Mary Plunkett, and his older brother John Richard Plunkett Jr. Jerry's joyful spirit also lives on in Bleu, his adored French bulldog and "favorite daughter," as he often teased.

Jerry was a lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity and a brilliant intellect. His academic journey began at the College of William and Mary, where he earned a B.S. in Chemistry in 1980, followed by an M.A. in Biology and Chemistry from Princeton University in 1982. His compassionate spirit and pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where he laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in healthcare. Jerry honed his expertise through a series of rigorous programs, starting with an Internship in Internal Medicine at Stanford Medical Center (1986-1987), then moving through residencies in Internal Medicine (1987-1989) and Anesthesiology (1989-1991) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He further specialized in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology with a fellowship at UCSF in 1992. Each step of his educational path underscored his dedication to advancing his knowledge and skills, positioning him as a respected authority in his field.

Jerry served with distinction as an anesthesiologist and administrator at Kaiser Permanente hospital in Fresno, CA for the last 18 years of his nearly 40 year career. His impact on the lives of his patients and colleagues was profound, marked by his empathy, skill, and a comforting presence that eased many through their most vulnerable moments. Beyond his career, Jerry was a man of multifaceted passions, from the culinary arts, particularly desserts, to strumming melodies on his guitar, embracing the thrill of rollerblading and skiing, reveling in the narratives of old movies and musicals, and exploring the world with an open heart and mind. Above all, the time spent with his daughters was his most cherished treasure, reflecting the depth of his love and commitment to his family.

Jerry's essence was one of joy, intelligence, and resilience. He navigated life with a sense of humor that could light up the darkest rooms and an unwavering positivity that remained steadfast even in the face of his ALS diagnosis. His memorable sayings, like "People who don't laugh at farts are losers, because they have less joy in their life, and the exact same number of farts," perfectly illustrate this positive outlook. Coupled with his lively "Italian hands" and general expressiveness, he was a unique and unforgettable character.

The pride of Jerry's life was his daughters, who embody his spirit, warmth, and wisdom. He lived as a testament to the values of family, care, and empathy, aspiring to be remembered as a devoted family man, a fierce friend, a compassionate physician, and an empathetic individual whose legacy is defined by the lives he touched and the love he shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the ALS Association (https://www.als.org/) to support research toward finding a cure, as well as advocacy and quality care for those currently living with ALS. This request honors Jerry's compassionate spirit and commitment to making a difference.

A celebration of life will be held at Pardini's (2257 West Shaw Ave. Fresno, CA 93711) at 11:00 AM on May 11th, 2024, providing an opportunity for friends and family to gather in remembrance of a man who cherished every moment, every laugh, and every person in his life. If you plan to attend this event, please RSVP at https://jerryscelebrationoflife.rsvpify.com/