Obituary of James Grover Pletcher

James Grover Pletcher 01 APR 1930 –09 NOV 2013 Jim spent an entire life in cheerful service to others: family, education, community, country and church. James was born in Muskegon, MI, son of Grover and Wilma Pletcher. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948-52 aboard the DD-729 Lyman K. Swenson and was in the Sitting Duck Squad at Inchon during the Korean War. Upon graduation from Michigan State University, he taught in schools in Utica and Rochester, Michigan. He taught in Yokohama, Japan and Pohnpei, Micronesia. He also shared his love of woodworking and wood carving with his students abroad. In 1965, he moved to Rockville, and served the remainder of his career as a teacher in Montgomery Co, MD, specializing in Industrial Arts, however, he also taught various other subjects including driver education and Math. The highlight of this distinguished teaching career was as a special education teacher. Throughout his life in Rockville, he was a member of Rockville United Church, where he had been active in the Building and Grounds Committee and in the Choir. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #86. As a father of 3 children, he was continuously active volunteering for their activities including the Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, and numerous athletic pursuits. He is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Pletcher and 3 children Geoffrey (Rebecca) of Cocoa Beach, FL; Eric of Silver Spring, and Lisa of Gaithersburg, and 3 grandchildren-Dylan, Ryan, and Rachel. He is also survived by a local niece, Susan (Joe) Dulany of Rockville and her children Brennis and Cameron. Two brothers Don and Tom, and a sister, Lynda Varin all of Michigan; a brother-in-law, Richard Rogers; and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at Rockville United Church, 355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD 20851 at 11:00 a.m. on November 16 with a luncheon following. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Rockville United Church's Buildings and Grounds Committee or the Kaseman Health Clinic, 1010 Grandin Ave., Rockville, MD 20851. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.