James Pleshek Sr.

James Russell Pleshek, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2025 at Lotus Gardens Senior Living in Appleton, WI. James was born on August 29th, 1938 to Russell and Verne Pleshek in Kaukauna, WI.
On October 12th, 1963 James was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and was a member of the South Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Appleton, WI.
James married the love of his life Ruth Pleshek on September 14th, 1963 and went on to have 3 sons: James, Paul and Nathan.
James worked for many years at Moe Northern Electric.
Later in life, James worked with his wife Ruth at Pioneer Professional Carpet Care, a business that they owned and operated together for over 30 years.
James is survived by his son, James (Marcia) Pleshek; his son, Paul (Cyndi) Pleshek; and his son, Nathan (Donna) Pleshek. James is survived by 7 grandchildren: Brandon (Samantha) Pleshek, Brittany (Spencer) Schroeder, Madeleine Pleshek, Ty, Addison, Bristol and Ryker Pleshek. James is also survived by 5 Great Grandchildren: Stella, Elliana, Elias, Ethan and Emery. James is survived by his younger sisters: Kathryn Sell, Donna Geurts, Mary (Dale) Lorbiecki; and many nieces and nephews.
James is preceded in death by his dearest wife of 60 years, Ruth; his parents, Russell and Verne Pleshek; and his younger brother, Michael Pleshek.
Growing up, James was a very enterprising young man. He often told stories of walking for miles looking for odd jobs from Appleton to Kaukauna helping shovel snow and mowing lawns. Later on he would fondly recount helping at a filling station, working at the Kaukauna Movie Theater as an usher, and many other part-time jobs.
The common theme of James' life was his willingness to serve and help others.
After finishing high school James joined the military and served in the United States Army in Army Intelligence.
After returning to Kaukauna and working at Moe Northern Electric for several years James met his dear, dear "Ruthie."
At this time, James learned something amazing that changed his life forever.
He learned that the Bible clearly promises that very soon mankind will 'learn war no more!" Isaiah 2:4
He learned that the Bible clearly shows why there is so much suffering in the world today. 2 Timothy 3:1 ; 1 John 5:1
He learned that God has a plan to solve all of these problems forever! Daniel 2:44.
Even more comforting, James learned that the Bible promises a time when even sickness and death will be no more. When the entire earth will become a paradise! Rev. 21: 3, 4
These beautiful Bible promises changed the focus and direction of James' life.
As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, James loved talking about and teaching others about the Bible. He loved Bible history and Bible prophecy. He also loved volunteering his time to go door to door visiting and helping his neighbors. Matt 24:14 ; Acts 20:20
James's lifelong Bible training and education enriched his life and made him the kind and loving man he was.
For many years James served as an elder in several congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Appleton area. He was viewed as a kind and loving shepherd who was always there when people needed help and encouragement. Near the end of his life many dear friends stopped to thank him for his example, his kindness, and his loving guidance and help in their lives through the years.
For fun James loved singing old songs (Especially Johnny Cash) He would always enjoy heading to Florida to get away from the cold Wisconsin winters. He also enjoyed going to Disney World with Grandma Ruth and the family.
James was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He loved his dear wife Ruthie, his boys (their wives) and his grandchildren (their spouses) and his great-grandchildren. He would often say his great-grandchildren officially made him 'great.'
James was the true description of a sweet, kind, gentle, spiritual, faithful, humble, loving, witty and generous person.
To family and friends he will always affectionately be known as 'Big Jim.'
In the final year of his life James never stopped showing gratitude and appreciation. Daily he would express his thanks to his God Jehovah for the life he had. Daily he also always thanked his caregivers James and Marcia for their loving care.
Even as James' Alzheimer's disease progressed he never lost his sense of humor. And he loved his one liners! So in honor of our Dad's humor. Dad would want us to say on his behalf
James is no longer upright and taking in nourishment
James would prefer to be seen and not viewed!
In the paradise soon to come, James will never be 'Ruth-less' again!
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude for Dad's dear and patient friends Leonard Hellingson, Charles Williams and many more who would listen to his stories over and over again.
The family would also like to thank the Staff at Lotus Garden Senior Living and the Preceptor Hospice Team for the wonderful care James received in the final months of his life.
Special thanks and gratitude to the South Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Appleton for their generous love and support during this difficult time.
Services will be held at the Appleton Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses located at 2909 N Roemer Rd, Appleton, WI 54911 on Saturday, March 22nd at 2:00 pm.
A special picture program will begin at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation at jw.org.
There will also be the availability to connect via Zoom.
The Zoom ID: 872 4354 7911 Passcode: 8942563