Obituary of James 'Jim' Plank

Plank: James Wilfred. Heard his name on February 29, 2008. His release from earthly pain was welcome and well prepared as his loved ones were gifted with time to acknowledge and share their love and admiration for this first-class man – a gentleman and a scholar, Jim modeled a life of strong Christian values, solid family ideals, and a deep work ethic. His joy was found in his love of the Lord, his lifelong sweetheart, his family, great literature, and fine works of music. Jim had the ability to inspire those around him to rise to greater heights morally, intellectually and spiritually, challenging us all to follow our own paths. His impact was felt by many after 34 years of teaching – many of these at Herman Collegiate Institute in Windsor. And, he lent comfort to many through his years of Pastoral Care in jails and hospitals, and his Elder work in his churches. His careers included selling subscriptions to Liberty magazine as a young boy, reining in run-away horses on his 2nd job as milkman, teaching, and volunteering with the Alzheimer Society. Born on October 29, 1930 in London, Ontario, Jim spent most of his school years there before moving with his parents to a farm in Merlin, Ontario. Jim enjoyed a blessed and rich childhood. He will be dearly missed by his sisters Audrey Lumley (John), and Marion Windell. He is predeceased by his parents Laura and Fred Plank, his sister Helen Zanier and his brother Fredrick Plank. Jim takes temporary leave from his wife of 53 years, Mildred Plank and his four children – Cynthia Morris, Grant Plank (Linda Plank), Amy Robinson (Claude Robinson) and Jennifer Plank (Michael Watts). He is well loved by his grandchildren: Nicole Plank, Jennilee Pino (Brad), Benjamin Robinson, Andrew Morris, Kimberly Plank (Eduardo), Patrick Robinson, Nicholas Robinson, Helen Watts, Dakota Robinson, Emma Watts, Nakita Robinson, and his Great-Grandchildren: Lucca Conte, Amilia Pino, and Ella Plank. Special thanks to Yvette Redding and Lester Crosby for their physical, emotional and spiritual support of both Jim and Mildred; to Sandra McLean and Cathy Stirling for their constant care and nursing. Deepest appreciation to Marguerite and 4th Floor Med B staff in Palliative Care at CKHA. We invite you to share our tears and joys in celebrating the life of Jim Plank through your prayers of thanksgiving for a life well lived. At the request of James, there will be no funeral or public memorial service – his spirit lives on when you gather for prayer, raise your voice in song, or are moved by fine prose. Donations to the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance-MRI Campaign (http://www.foundationckha.com/mri/mri.html) or charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home,459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, Ontario. 519-351-2040 "Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wanted me now He set me free"