James "Jim" Franklin Plum Sr.

James Franklin Plum Sr., 75, of Albia, Iowa passed away April 30, 2015, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his family at Oakwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albia. Jim was born in Bussey, Iowa on August 1, 1939 to Harlon and Rose Plum. A 1957 graduate of Bussey High School, Jim went on to serve ten years of active duty with the U.S. Navy and retired from the Naval Reserve. He met the love of his life, Carolyn Whitson and they were married on October 29, 1960. He worked for the Department of Defense in Fort Meade Maryland as a Special Research Analyst and a Chinese linguist. After Jim's retirement they moved back to Albia. A devoted husband, father, and brother, Jim cherished time spent with his family at get-togethers and reunions. He also enjoyed woodworking, baseball, as well as reading to his grandchildren and great- grandchildren, often using silly voices, to their amusement. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Albia and had a deep, abiding faith. Jim was also a CASA volunteer, advocating for neglected and abused children in Monroe County Courts. Jim had a unique ability to comfort family members and friends with just a firm hand on the shoulder, while offering words of wisdom. This small yet sincere act, along with his quick wit and unassuming nature, will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Whitson) Plum; a son and daughter-in-law, Jim Jr. and Denise Plum of Maryland; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Theresa Plum, of Maryland; Angie and Bob Mort of Indiana, Katy and Paul Schwingle of New York and Laura and Tom Halleman of Pennsylvania; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Jane and Doran Haywood, Martha and Johnny Popson, Rose Plum and Mary Plum; and two brothers, the very handsome John T.S. Plum and Joe Plum; 16 grandchildren, two step- grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Phyllis Whitson, brother-in-law, Jerry Whitson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Phil and Diane Whitson, brother-in-law, Wayne Whitson, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlon Eugene and Rosella Mae (Samuel) Plum, and two sisters, Susan Plum and Peggy Plum, a brother-in-law, Steven Whitson, a mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alberta and Cecil Whitson. Jim's family would like to thank Care Initiatives Hospice for their selfless work and care they showed for him, as well as his family. They were truly dedicated to assisting all through a very difficult time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 4, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow services at Oak View Cemetery in Albia with military rites provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose, and Lovilia. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2015 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Jim's family present from 4- 8:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. rosary will be led by St. Mary's Altar and Rosary society and a wake service will be held at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Welcome Home Soldier Memorial Park in Albia, Iowa or Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org).