James K. Pletta

James Kenneth Pletta, age 84, resident of Romeo for 26 years, passed away at Troy Beaumont on March 23, 2021. James was born in Detroit on July 21, 1936 to Edward and Frances (Malaski) Pletta. He attended Persian H.S. and then joined the Navy and was stationed on a heavy cruiser, the USS Des Moines, serving in the Mediterranean.   Just two days after finishing his service with the Navy, he met his future wife, Susann Churilla. They married on June 13, 1959 and were married for over 61 years. Jim worked in machine repair for Chrysler for 28 years, along with several other companies.  His favorite thing to do was spend time with his family, playing cards till the wee hours of the morning, helping his son build houses, fixing things in his own special way, taking care of his lawn, doing word searches, bowling, golfing, going “up nort” and watching Detroit sports, especially the Tigers. He had his own special language that only those closest to him understood. He made the best potato “pani-cakes”! Legend has it that he once ate 30 ears of corn at a picnic. His family will make sure this rumor is maintained for generations to come.  James is survived by his wife Sue, their son Craig (Sue) Pletta of Lake Orion, his sister Betty Francis , and grandchildren Christian (Karissa) Pletta who resides in Tennessee, Jonathan of Lake Orion, Aaron  (Louise) Pletta of Washington Twp, and Thomas and Jacqueline of Lake Orion. Visitation will be held Thursday March 25, 2021 from 3-8pm at Henry M. Malburg funeral home, Romeo Michigan.