Dr. Littleton James Plunkett

Dr. Littleton James "Jim" Plunkett, age 76, well-known Poplar Bluff Family Practice Physician of 51 years died Saturday, March 6, 2010 at his residence. Dr. Plunkett was born April 3, 1933 in Henderson, Tex. He graduated from University of Texas, Galveston Medical School in 1958; completed internship at Confederate Memorial Hospital in Shreveport, La., in 1959; and began his private practice in Campti, La. in 1959 and moved to Natchitoches, La. to continue his practice in 1961. Dr. Plunkett joined McPheeters Clinic in 1968 and practiced there until he started his private practice in Poplar Bluff in 1989. Until the time of his illness Dr. Plunkett was a member of the Medical Staff of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, previously Lucy Lee Hospital. During his career he delivered over 2000 babies. He remained in active practice at Plunkett Family Care Clinic which will continue to operate. Dr. Plunkett was an active member of the First United Methodist Church; a member of Weslean Sunday School Class and member of Wednesday morning Bible study group. He was an active member of the Margaret Harwell Art Museum; and a member of Ozark Trail Club. Dr. Plunkett was also previous President and board member of Poplar Bluff Downtown Development Corporation. Dr. Plunkett's life was devoted to his family and his profession. He was an avid private pilot for over 40 years and loved the out of doors. He also appreciated the Arts and enjoyed traveling. In the last few years he enjoyed hiking, kayaking and playing bridge. On Aug. 30, 1952 he married Ethel Marie "Kitty" Folden in Nacogdoches, Tex. She preceded him in death on Feb. 17, 2002 after almost 50 years of marriage. From his marriage to "Kitty" he had five children who survive: Kathy Haas and husband Bruce of Poplar Bluff, Ed D. Plunkett and wife Dana of Bonne Terre, Mic J. Plunkett and wife Judy of Wappapello, Jim Plunkett and wife Debbi of Williamsville and Lisa Marie Ledbetter and husband Zach of Springfield; grandchildren: Benjamin Haas and Lindsay Haas, Kyle and Emele Plunkett, Tami and Dale Mason, Jacob Plunkett, Lucas Plunkett, Tabitha and Dave Thomas, Drew and Halee Janes, Kelli Plunkett, Scott Janes, Logan Plunkett and Cayley Ledbetter; great-grandchildren: Trevor and Devon Mason and Cole and Kennan Thomas; sister, Merline McLain of Atlanta; and a brother, Davis Plunkett of Lubbock, Tex. On April 25, 2003 he married Catherine Starnes. With his marriage to Catherine he added to the family, Christy and Tom Dempsey, children, Amanda and Hilary Dempsey, and Wendy and Jeff Harmon and daughter, Emma Jane Harmon. His parents, L.J Plunkett, Sr. and Mable Gardner Plunkett and sister, Mary Lou Myers preceded Dr. Plunkett in death. The family will receive and visit with friends from 5 - 7 p.m. Sunday at First Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Monday at First Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Buck officiating. A foundation will be set up in honor of Jim and Kitty Plunkett that will benefit students and families. Donations can be made but arrangements are currently pending.