Jack Pletz

John S. "Jack" Pletz, age 81, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Thursday, April 17, 2025, at University Hospital – Columbia, surrounded by his family.
He was born on March 5, 1944, in St. Louis, Mo., a son of the late John F. and Helen L. (Fouts) Pletz. He was united in marriage to Karen L. Owens on December 26, 1975, who preceded him in death on November 22, 2011.
Jack graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1962. He began his collegiate studies at Washington University in St. Louis before earning a B.A. in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. A lifelong seeker of truth and justice, he went on to obtain his J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1975, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as Lead Article and Book Review Editor for the Missouri Law Review.
Jack's dedication to public service took root early in life. From 1966 to 1969, he served in the Peace Corps in Colombia, South America-first in rural community development and later as a coordinator of vocational agricultural education for the Secretary of Education in Valle del Cauca. Upon returning to the U.S., he joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1969 to 1973 and earning both the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal for his pioneering work in race relations and drug abuse programs.
His early career in public administration included serving as legal counsel and later Executive Director for the Missouri Elections Commission, where he oversaw the implementation of Missouri's first campaign finance law. He also served as Deputy Secretary of State for Missouri, focusing on corporation, election, and securities law.
Jack transitioned to private legal practice in 1981 with the firm of Bartlett, Venters, Pletz and Toppins, P.C., where he concentrated in transactional, municipal, and administrative law. In 1987, he co-founded what would become Pletz and Reed, P.C., where he continued to serve until the end of his distinguished legal career. He was a respected legal counsel to the Jefferson City Housing Authority from 1983 onward and served as outside legal counsel to the Missouri Ethics Commission for over two decades (1996–2018). Throughout his practice, Jack was known not only for his legal acumen but also for his fairness, integrity, and unfailing respect for the ethical boundaries of his profession.
An esteemed member of numerous legal organizations, Jack served as President of the Cole County Bar Association and held memberships with the Missouri Bar, the American Bar Association, and the American Bar Foundation. He authored several professional articles, including widely referenced pieces in the Journal of the Missouri Bar and Missouri Law Review.
Outside the courtroom, Jack was just as committed to the well-being of his community. He served on the boards of multiple organizations including Capital Region Medical Center, Memorial Community Hospital, Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Family Mental Health Center, the United Way of Central Missouri, and the University of Missouri Health Care Advisory Board. His leadership was honored with the Missouri Hospital Association's Excellence in Governance Award in 2014 and appointments to the American Hospital Association's Regional Policy Board. He was also a longtime member and elder of First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson City and a past president of the Rotary Club of Jefferson City.
Jack's intellectual pursuits extended far beyond the legal field. A philosopher at heart, he authored five books on ethics, truth, and moral reasoning, including Being Ethical and First, Do No Unjust Harm. He was a veracious reader who consumed the New York Times cover to cover and delighted in deep conversations on complex issues. Though reserved in demeanor, Jack had a wealth of insight to share and a sharp wit that endeared him to those fortunate enough to know him well.
He loved to laugh and play, especially when surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Whether playing games, traveling, or simply spending time together, Jack was an ever-present, joyful companion. An adventurer by nature, he never lost his curiosity for the world. He was well-traveled, with a special fondness for Japan's culture and landscape. He enjoyed exposing his family to various traditions and especially foods of other cultures. Jack immersed himself in his hobbies with the same thoroughness he applied to his professional life-always learning, always growing.
Those who knew Jack would describe him as kind, honest, ethical, selfless, humble, and brilliant. He never raised his voice, never cursed, and never lost his composure. He gave generously of his time and wisdom, never for recognition, but always for the betterment of others. He was the kind of man who shaped lives quietly but profoundly-a steadfast father, devoted friend, trusted colleague, and respected community advocate.
In a world that often favors noise over nuance, Jack Pletz was a gentle force who left a legacy of service without spotlight, strength without ego, and love without condition. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
He is survived by his daughters, Brittany E. Marten and her husband, Anthony, of Chicago, Il., and Casey L. Pletz, of Overland Park, Ks.; his granddaughter, Alexandra Elizabeth Marten; his sister, Barbara A. Hill of Kalona, Ia.; and his sisters-in-law, Susan L. Dasta of Los Angeles, Calif. And Leslie A. Owens of St. Louis, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 35 years, Karen; parents, John and Helen Pletz; and his brother-in-law, Chuck Hill.
Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church.
A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in the church sanctuary with the Reverend Dr. Woody Berry officiating. Graveside services will be private for the family.
For those unable to attend, Jack's service will be live streamed beginning at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday. The live video can be accessed via the First Presbyterian Church's Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund (324 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101), Capital Region Medical Foundation (1125 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101), United Way of Central Missouri Foundation (205 Alameda Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109), or For the Children Foundation c/o Compass Health (3515 Amazonas Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109).
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.