James Patrick “Jim” Pluskota, Sr., age 84, U.S. Air Force veteran, a resident of Aurora, IL, formerly of Chicago, Wheeling and Mt. Prospect, IL, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora. He was born on April 11, 1941, in Chicago, IL.

Beloved husband of Carol Ann Pluskota (nee Ziegler), whom he married May 8, 1965, loving father of James P. “Jim” Pluskota, Jr. of Algonquin, IL, Jodie (Eric) Pufundt of Batavia, IL, Jenell Pluskota of Florida and Jonathan (Kim) Pluskota of Pueblo, CO, adored “Opa” (grandfather) of Issabella Rose Pufundt, devoted son of the late Jacob and Florence Pluskota, dear brother of the late Leola Pluskota and the late Florian Pluskota, son-in-law of the late Peter and Martha (nee Pionke) Ziegler, brother-in-law of Melvin (Charlene) Ziegler, Ralph (the late Patricia) Ziegler, Paul (Joanne) Ziegler, Nancy (Marc) Albertario, former sisters-in-law June Yadgir and Barb Ziegler, the late Linda Ziegler, the late Peter Ziegler, Jr., the late Don (Nina) Ziegler, the late Joyce Marie Ziegler, the late Anne Ziegler. Godfather of Brian Ziegler, adored cousin, uncle, great-uncle, great-great uncle and friend of many.

He was known as James, Jim or Jimmy, Honey, Opa and sometimes NOpa, Dad, Pops, Senior, Jimpy, Stamink, and Mr. Pluskota. The eldest of three children, Jim endured life challenges early on, with the passing of his sister when he was 5, helping raise his brother who was born with a developmental disability due to complications at birth, and having parents who both worked to provide for their family.

He attended and graduated St. Bonaventure grade school, then Lane Tech, and after graduation he enlisted in the Air Force in 1959 and was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base near Topeka, KS where he served our country for four years as a machinist. In the Summer of ’62, he met Carol at St. Bonaventure church carnival and bribed her youngest brother with fireworks to get her number! Three years later in May 1965, he married his bride, Carol, of 60 years. His first full-time job was at Reliable in Chicago as a machinist while attending the Tool and Die Institute and working part-time jobs to ensure his family was cared for. Having a large family was a priority and immediately his five brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law embraced him as their brother. He even took his two younger sisters-in-law on dates with Carol!

Jim was blessed with four children, two boys and two girls and loved his time with them after work and on the weekends. He taught them many life skills whether it was mowing the lawn, snow blowing, changing car oil and filters, plumbing repairs, painting, or drinking Coke and eating pretzels and enjoying a root beer float! His Friday nights were oftentimes spent with his two younger children grocery shopping for the family. Jim was a tradesman at work and home and his do-it-yourself mindset was ingrained in each. He also believed that education was a priority and ensured his children continued after high school.

In Jim’s middle years, he enjoyed non-competitive running with his youngest daughter and weightlifting with his oldest son and friends. His love for cars and trains were his hobbies, giving him an outlet from work. He enjoyed showing his Mustang at local car shows and going to train shows together with his wife and children. He supported his children by attending as many of their activities and events as he could.

His love for nature included flower gardening, relandscaping his yard, and listening to the early morning birds singing on a Sunday morning. While Jim was a quiet man, you could find him listening to music, especially rock and roll from the 50’s to the 80’s, Johnny Cash, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash and watching TV shows for entertainment or learning. Jim was a natural lifelong learner sharing what he learned, for example, through the History channel and How It’s Made, with anyone who shared in his interests.

Having 50 years as a tool and die machinist specializing in the hands-on fabrication of dies, molds, and precision tools, operating manual and CNC machines, and reading blueprints and technical drawings to create high precision components, he retired at the top of his trade.

In Jim’s late middle years, he was blessed with one granddaughter, Issabella Rose, whom he loved and adored dearly. She loved her “Opa” time as he loved his “little Rose” time, whether in her younger years reading together or going to the park, or in her older years playing board games or watching the Cubs. He was excited when she became a Kansas Jayhawk, bringing back memories of Lawrence during his time in the Air Force. It brought him great joy to attend her graduation this past May, reminding him the circle of life is precious.

Jim loved and cherished his wife Carol dearly, and together they helped each other through their golden years, celebrating each day and milestone together. They were devoted to their Catholic faith and never missed a Mass together. They cooked together, laughed together, drove together, and watched their favorite TV shows together, especially enjoying the Cubs games. Jim will be dearly missed by all, leaving a special memory of him with everyone whose life he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting contributions and will make a donation to the Celiac Disease Foundation, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, Macular Degeneration Association, or Jim’s favorite Catholic charities.