James Mattes Ploucha

James Mattes Ploucha

November 23, 1949 ~ November 10, 2022

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James Mattes Ploucha, 72, died after a sudden cardiac arrest, on 11/10/2022 in Hospice at St. Francis Reflections, Melbourne Regional Medical Center.

Jim was born in San Francisco, California and lived in Michigan before moving to Florida.

He was semi-retired from Apollo Surgery Center, Melbourne Florida as an Anesthesiologist. Previously he was employed at AIR (Anesthesia of Indian River) at Indian River Medical Center for 13 years.

Jim took great joy in belonging to the Flying Eagles Radio Control Club where he engaged in his second love (the first being his wife) flying remote control airplanes. He was an avid chess player, enjoyed playing guitar (especially the blues), shooting pool, star gazing, and working on his planes. He would regal his friends with recitations of poetry, plays, and famous speeches. He especially enjoyed telling his patients the history of anesthesia. During surgeries, Jim would often text loved ones to keep them informed. He was known as a child and dog whisperer to everyone who knew him.

Jim was an academic and earned multiple degrees. He was a board certified/pediatric fellowship trained anesthesiologist. He received his PhD in physiology from Michigan State University college of Human Medicine prior to completing his medical degree from MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1986. He completed his residency at Botsford General Hospital in 1989 and a fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in 1990. He worked 15 years at EW Sparrow Hospital, a large Level 1 trauma center in Lansing, MI.  Jim also completed a PHD in animal physiology and attended commercial flight training from Ferris State University.

Survivors include his loving wife Phoebe Ploucha, his children Courtney (Zak Ducker), his step granddaughter Evie, his son Tyler Ploucha and his grandsons Jameson and Beckham Ploucha. Additionally, he leaves behind his stepson Matthew Magenheim (Jessica), his step granddaughter Maris, his stepdaughter Alexis Montgomery and her significant other Jake Murphy. Other loving family include David Brandt (Beth) and Jack and Liam. He also leaves behind his brother Larry Ploucha (Janet); sister Sharon Light (Ralph), niece Tracey Howard (Jon), grand-nephew Scott Howard, nephew Robert Light and stepbrother Greg Conant.

He is pre-deceased by his adoring mother Leotta Conant (Alfred), biological father William Nicholas Mattes and his adoptive father Thomas Ploucha.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.

 

**Feel free to leave a condolence for the family, below. All condolence messages are submitted to Funeral Home staff for approval prior to appearing below**


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Condolence

Denise Langlais - Friend

November 15, 2022, 6:08 pm

Dear Phoebe I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved husband. You are in my prayers as you go through this very sad time. May your hubby rest in Gods arms. You are loved by many and pray this and all your happy memories gives you strength. Hugs, love and prayers. Denise

Lydia Stelnicki - Friend

November 15, 2022, 6:29 pm

We loved and admired Jim for his joyful, playful, kind, loving manner. Grateful to have known his sunshine and spirit through our friend, his wife, Phoebe. Very sad to say good-bye. May he rest in peace.

Linda Froman - Friend and former colleague

November 15, 2022, 6:52 pm

So sad to hear of the loss of your husband Phoebe. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and fill you with His peace and strength.

Nan Heebner - Ormond Friend and Teacher

November 15, 2022, 8:10 pm

Oh Phoebe… I was with you from the beginning when you met Jim! We spoke often about you knowing you found your dream and soul mate in him! I was so happy for you….when it’s right as it was with Pete and I… it’s living a Fairy Tale romance of love! Not everyone is as lucky to experience that kind of love and connection as we were!! You saw so much and experienced so many places with him.. what memories you have to hold on as you move forward to find your new normal!

Debbie Dobeck - Friend

November 15, 2022, 8:18 pm

So sorry for your loss I worked with him at Indian River Memorial Hospital years ago he was a great guy I enjoyed working with him so much. Prayers to the family

Teresa Flanagan - Friend/coworker

November 15, 2022, 8:31 pm

Dear Phoebe, I am so very sorry and heartbroken for you and your family. I ❤️ LOVE and every picture I saw of you together made me feel so happy for you. You are in my prayers. Wishing you God’s peace, comfort and grace. Love, Teresa Flanagan

Diane Dudley - Ex Mother in law

November 15, 2022, 9:18 pm

He was a great Son in law for years, we all loved him.

Michelle and Brent Boyle - Friend

November 15, 2022, 10:05 pm

Phoebe we are so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a wonderful person with an infectious smile. He loved you and his family so very much! He will be missed by all that knew him.

Michelle Boyle - Friend

November 15, 2022, 10:10 pm

Phoebe we are so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a wonderful person with an infectious smile. He loved you and his family so very much! He will be missed by all that knew him.

Amanda Stiles - Family friend

November 15, 2022, 10:17 pm

We are so very sorry for the loss of this amazing man. Praying for comfort and healing for Phoebe and the whole family during this very difficult time. Love and prayers, Phil and Amanda

Ed Poniatowski - Family Friend.

November 15, 2022, 10:17 pm

Phoebe. Jim’s was a life well-lived, and I was honored to have known him. LuAnn and I pray that he rests in peace in the arms of our Lord. We also pray that our Lord give you strength in your time of loss. Jim touched so many lives in a positive way. He leaves behind a great legacy of caring, understanding and love.

Imu Esmail - Friend

November 15, 2022, 10:25 pm

He lived a full life.

Debbie Flaherty

November 15, 2022, 11:20 pm

I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. Please take comfort in the beautiful love you shared. May you be surrounded always by peace and love.

Tyler Ploucha - Son

November 15, 2022, 11:28 pm

RIP Dad. (*Willard **Alvin)

Steven Shepard - Friend of Tyler

November 16, 2022, 12:45 am

My heart goes out to Tyler and his family for your loss. I met Tyler’s dad at an epic birthday party, sometime around 8th grade I believe. I was fortunate to woman raffle to fly with his dad and what an experience that was! It was my first time flying and I remember being so impressed with the barrel rolls and flips. What an impressive man with his academic and medical accomplishments, as well as his mastering of flying and other talents. What a wonderful and talented son as well and I’m blessed to call Tyler my friend.

Mary Margaret Takos - Friend

November 16, 2022, 3:04 am

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Your husband and haven’t seen you in a long time but after having read the obituary I see that he was a wonderful human being. It was great for money that he was on this earth. What a life worth living!

Steven Jewett - Dear Friend

November 16, 2022, 4:34 am

Jim will always be in my heart. He was one of the most amazing humans iv ever known in my life.. i grew to love him dearly, as well as his family.. i will treasure the great memories and his awesome intellect… you will be missed my brother..peace be with you.

Susan Leorza - Friend

November 16, 2022, 4:49 am

I am so sad for your loss Phoebe. I have watched how happy you have been since being with Jim. You created wonderful memories together. His obituary gave a a good picture of the amazing husband, father, doctor, friend and athlete he was. as time goes on you find comfort in knowing you shared such a special love. ❤️

Judy Kroovand - Friend

November 16, 2022, 1:28 pm

Phoebe, I am so so sorry for your loss. Jim sounded like a wonderful man and I know he made you so happy. ❤️

Gregory Conant - Step Brother

November 16, 2022, 3:55 pm

Phoebe,Tyler, Courtney i’m so sorry for your loss he was a great brother had a zeal for life and I will miss chatting with him and texting with him he was a great husband dad and father and brother RIP Sir.

Suzy Chandnois Arnold - Friend

November 16, 2022, 4:41 pm

Longtime friend from high school, he was so fun and happy.He will always be remembered fondly. RIP

Patt and Damen Stickford - Loving friends

November 16, 2022, 7:44 pm

My dearest friend, the last few weeks have been so surreal. It was an honor for me to walk beside you through it. I wish I could take away just a bit of your pain to help you heal. You know how much Jim meant to me and Damen. As I have told you before, he was like another brother to me and a true brother to Damen. We believe he loved us too. Please know that we are both here for you moving forward and forever!
When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure Unknown
Jim was and always will be a true treasure. He will live on in our hearts through you and all the memories we have of him.

Tracey L Howard - Niece

November 16, 2022, 9:16 pm

I read my uncle’s obituary yesterday. (yes, it’s a shameless reference to Camus)
My immediate thought was he would create such an elegant poem if he were writing an obituary. It would, of course, be in the style of Plath and Baker: Death in black and white / Myopic capsulized life…
I’d like to write that poem in tribute, but that was his gift, not mine.
There are so many memories. Some serious, some frivolous. The earliest are of him whirling me around in the backyard, my feet off the ground and both of us laughing. Christmases, birthdays, graduations, and other family events. The birth of Courtney, then Tyler. Flying, looping, spinning, and diving in the Citabria. Games and sports and cars and dogs. And such an intense presence.
I remember serious, sometimes macabre conversations and health crises. Dramatic readings, shared poetry, and books. Congratulations and support at all my life milestones. Playing with Scott, whirling him in the yard, teaching him to fly radio-controlled planes. Reassuring and counseling me when Scott had his staph infection. Always available, he shone as a doctor.
And I miss having him just a call away.

Alexis - Step daughter

November 17, 2022, 2:30 am

I love Jim with all my heart. He was the most incredible bonus dad…but I loved him for more than his role as a father figure to me. His enthusiasm for life was unmatched and he always wanted to have fun. His intent when he spoke to you was strong, and it was because he cared. He always liked to have undivided attention and I always made sure to give it to him. I cared about the things he said and the things he was interested in. After 12 years, his passionate heart and loving nature ultimately made me view him as one of the most special humans I had ever met in my life, and I felt beyond lucky to call him my family. Jim, thank you for everything you’ve taught me…not just life lessons and poetry, but how to be a better human in every way. You have impacted my life more than you will ever know. Thank you for encouraging me to go to nursing school and believing in me. At my graduation, I will look up at the sky and smile at you and you’ll know that one’s for you. We have countless memories together that I will forever cherish.. We all love you so much, and I just hope you’re somewhere with Sully enjoying a Guinness. You will *always* be in our hearts. Mom, I love you…you have an army of loved ones standing behind you, supporting you and praying for you, and we are with you forever.

Amy Warder - friend

November 17, 2022, 4:03 am

Courtney I am so deeply heartbroken for you in the loss of your dad. I feel like I know him through all the memories you have shared. I know your love for each other will last forever. Praying for strength and comfort for you and all of his loved ones.

Michele (Mike) Manoogian - Friends

November 17, 2022, 9:35 pm

Truly sad for the loss of Jim. What a wonderful person to have known. Many tight hugs to Phoebe and his family and friends. ❤

Renee Freeman - Friend

November 18, 2022, 3:43 pm

Phoebe, I am truly saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. What a privilege it was to know Jim! He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather & friend. He had a zest for life, and a heart full of love for his wife, family, and friends! Rarely does one meet someone so special like Jim, and I am thankful to have known him! God bless you Phoebe, with the peace of knowing that he is with our ✝️ Lord, and one day, you will be with him again for an eternity. My love and prayers to you..❤️

Audrey Murray and Victor Saldivar - Friends

November 19, 2022, 10:07 pm

Phoebe,I am so sorry for your loss. Jim always made everyone in the room laugh and I always had an amazing time. Prayers to you and your family.

Christine Capers - Friend

November 20, 2022, 4:41 am

My dear Phoebe…You are in my thoughts and prayers You are surrounded with Love of family and friends and this will get you through each grieving hour. Your faith will give you strength to carry on.Im always here as you know I feel your pain of such an untimely loss of your Jim. You will be ok ❤️‍

Schlepp Heidi - Co worker and friend

November 20, 2022, 5:57 pm

Prayers for Peace…to Phoebe and the entire family. He was an incredible person and an amazing physician who touched and changed so many lives. I am grateful to have worked with him for several years and call him friend. Respectfully, Heidi Schlepp RN

Karen Desmarais - Co- worker

November 22, 2022, 3:42 pm

My name is Karen Desmarais… l was a nurse at lndian River hospital & worked with Jim !!!! Fridays were kiddos day .. which was a challenge to say the least but Jim was amazing… he had such a calming effect on the kiddos & especially the parents!!!! Rlp Jim !! ❤️

Cynthia Ploszay - Friend

November 23, 2022, 6:38 pm

My dear, sweet Phoebe, my heart aches for you. You and Jim truly did share a love that was so true so sweet, so tender…a love that so many of us will never get to experience. It doesn’t seem fair that you had each other for such a short time, but in that time you both lived life to the fullest and had the best times of your lives. I will so miss Jim, his laugh, his wit, his jokes, and yes, his recitations. He was much loved and what better tribute can a man ask for in his life than to be dearly loved by his wife, his family and his friends. I know you are having a blessed first birthday in heaven Jim.

Sharon L Light - Sister

November 24, 2022, 1:42 am

With love and respect, I offer a tribute to my brother, Jim, on his 73rd birthday today. He faced health problems and personal obstacles over the years and conquered them with his mindfulness and prodigious accomplishments. Jim was intelligent, generous, compassionate, captivating, inspirational, and he valued his family above all else. His quick wit and fascinating sense of humor were appreciated by family, friends, and patients both as fun and situational diffusion. Jim was an incredible person and supportive brother. He is affectionately missed. Good bye, little brother. I love you.

Mike Krapek - High school.

November 25, 2022, 1:07 am

My sister Lynn Krapek was good friends with Jim in high school. I remember him playing guitar in a band. He was an awesome guitarist even in high school. Recalling a concert in the school’s parking lot opening for The early version of Grand Funk. Rest in power!

Cam Henke - Friend

November 26, 2022, 2:06 pm

I was in disbelief when I read that Jim had passed away. We were best friends in high school. Jim and I had great adventures growing up together in the same neighborhood. Jim excelled in everything he did. He was an unbelievable guitar player and played in a band named “The Bards”. He was a black belt in Karate and won many competitions in the sport. I remember when he got his private pilot’s license. I see he never lost his love of flying. Jim rode motorcycles and also crashed motorcycles. Jim lived his younger years fast and furious. He was my friend and although I have not seen him in many years I always considered him to be my best friend growing up.. My most heart felt condolences to his wife, and Jim’s family. Jim was a great man and I’m sure he will be greatly missed by all….

Dan Rubner - Ex son-in-law

November 28, 2022, 11:36 am

If you knew Jim, you knew that laugh. It was full of life and happiness. He asked me once to drive his Dodge Viper past him as fast as I could so he could see how it looked and how it sounded. How could I say no? I remember briefly seeing his smiling face hanging out the passenger side of his Dodge Durango as I blasted by him at 130+mph. As they caught up after I slowed down, he was laughing almost uncontrollably. He truly appreciated all that life had to offer. To the whole family, I am so sorry for this terrible loss. My heart goes out to you all.

Courtney Ducker - Daughter

November 28, 2022, 6:31 pm

My dad always supported me and found a way to make me laugh in the best and worst of times. He always said I was the only person that laughed at all his jokes and I am so thankful that I have so many videos of him. I know he will always be watching over me and I hope that I continue to make him proud. Life will never be the same without my dad and I miss him more than words can explain. I love you forever and ever dad!!

John Walker - Friend and Co-worker at Indian River, Medical Center, Vero beach Florida

October 23, 2023, 1:15 am

Just learned of your passing Dr. Jim I can tell you were blessed by having so many friends and family and they were blessed for knowing you we were blessed because you were our friend ….rest in peace sir.

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