Ishpeming - James "Jim" Plankey, age 79, of 111 Bluff St. Ishpeming, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming.

Jim was born November 10, 1933 in Champion, MI to Edward & Catherine (Snyder) Plankey. He served his country in the US Army from January 1955 until his honorable discharge in January 1957. Jim worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years most recently for L& H Industries.

Jim was a member of the Greenwood American Legion Lillian Larson Post where he was a Past Commander and a member of the AMVETS. Jim enjoyed tinkering, making replica trucks, and other items out of any kind of material he could find.

Jim is survived by 2 sons: Keven (Catherine) Plankey of Champion, Cameron (Julie) Plankey of Gwinn, 2 sisters: Mary (Marvin) Joki of Champion and Carol (Gerald) Ekdahl of Champion, 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandson along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a son Keith Plankey and 2 brothers George and John.

A graveside memorial service will be held in the spring at the Champion Cemetery (near Van Riper State Park) with Sister Marge Schmelzle officiating.

Military honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 380 and Greenwood American Legion.