James F. Pletz

We are celebrating the life of James F. Pletz who lived from November 29,1952 to April 28, 2026.

He was preceded in death by father, Vernon Pletz and Mother Marjorie Olund Pletz. He is survived by his sister Susan Sallup, of Hannsville, WA, brother, Gary Pletz of Seattle, WA and his wife Carol of 44 years. His daughter, Arianne Pletz (David), Karlie Garron (Kyle) and grandchildren; Peyton Shaw-Pletz, Elliott Pletz, and Addison Pletz. Jim always believed that one didn’t need to share DNA to be family so we would like to acknowledge, granddaughter, Julianna Asaei, along with Medhi Asaei, Parker Asaei and Elvia Orellana, who all share a special part of our hearts and family unit. 

Jim graduated from Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA in 1971 and was a member of jazz band. He attended Shoreline Community College while working the Night Sort at United Parcel Service. He later drove package car and eventually went into management in their Feeder Department. He worked for United Parcel for 35 years.

Jim married Carol Huston in 1982 making their first home in Edmonds, Washington. After retirement, Carol and Jim built their dream home on Lake Cavanaugh, just east of Mt. Vernon, WA where he resided until his death.

Jim’s love affair for hydroplane racing started before he could even walk. His family first brought him to the races in a stroller at the age of two, and from that moment on, the sport was in his blood. What started as a childhood dream became a lifelong passion and eventually, a proud reality joining the A.P.B.A. U-17 “Our Gang Racing” then later the U-95 “Spirit of Qatar” winning the 2013 Gold Cup Championship. 

Jim loved a good joke, Si-Fi movies and his Seven 7’s. His laugh was contagious and his smile could light up a room. His spirit lives on in our hearts and the memories that we made together as a family.

Donations in Jim’s name can be made to hospicenw.org