Born:

James John Plaza died Monday, April 30 after a brief illness. He was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1947 and moved to Oak Ridge with his family in 1963. He never lost his love for his native state but wholeheartedly adopted his new home in Tennessee.

Jim had many interests and became skilled at any undertaking. He was an all-state baseball pitcher, an avid fisherman and hunter, a lover of country music, hockey, and a good time.

Learning his patriotic ideals from his father, he joined the Army where he had a distinguished military career serving as a Green Beret and member of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. He served his country in Vietnam where he made friends with many of the local people. Twenty years later one family even tracked him down to send him gifts of appreciation for the things he did to help them during the war.

He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1973 where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. After graduation, he led a challenging and satisfying career with Carborundum Environmental Systems designing and installing wastewater treatment systems all over the country. His greatest strength was troubleshooting and correcting any problems that arose. Later, Jim began a second career with Carborundum Abrasives. Again, the businesses in his region found that in addition to selling the products, he was able to assist them in improving the function of their equipment. He received many awards for his accomplishments.

His father, John, preceded Jim in death. His mother, Tillie Plaza; his son Jonathan Plaza and wife Nikki; his daughter Jennifer Wiggins and husband Travis and grandson, Tyler, survive him. His sister, Jacqueline McCoy and her family also survive him.

Family and friends are invited to share fond and funny memories at the receiving of friends, at Martin Funeral Home on Thursday, May 3 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 8:00pm. In addition, a mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 3. Jim will be interred Monday May 7, 2007 11:00am in his hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania at St. Casimir’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the TWRA Cold Water Fisheries Division. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the TWRA Cold Water Fisheries Division P.O. Box 41729 Nashville, TN 37204 supporting the streams he loved.