James “Jim” Lonnie Plunk passed away peacefully at home at the age of 77 after a long illness on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in the presence of his loving family and beloved dog Piper. 

Jim lived a full life, beginning with his birth on December 21st, 1948, to his parents, William Lee Plunk and Mary Ellen Dix, in Counce, Tennessee. Jim’s life was marked by service: service to his country, to his family, to his church, and to his community, no matter where he lived. Jim participated in the ROTC program at Napa High School in 1966 and volunteered for the US Army after graduation, serving his country with pride and distinction during a full combat tour in Vietnam in 1968-69. 

In life, Jim became a true Renaissance man, with a career path that included dairy farming in Idaho, peacetime service in the US Army in Germany and US bases in Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, and the Civil Service at Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range, working on air defense systems and training materials for the US Air Defense Artillery school. Even in retirement, Jim continued to find ways to serve, volunteering his time as an EMT/Firefighter with the El Paso County East Montana Volunteer Fire Rescue company, and assisting his loving wife, Kathy, with yearbook duties at her high school in Twin Falls, Idaho, where they retired together. 

Jim supported his church and community in a variety of ways, usually quietly and without fanfare, and touched the lives of many without them ever knowing in the process. Jim’s favorite scripture was Isaiah 40:31, and he never wavered in his lifelong faith in the Lord. His wait is over, and he can now soar with the eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint, and take his rightful place in the kingdom of heaven.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Katherine Louise, his sisters; Darlene Smyth Moody and Annette Jackson, his three sons; James Lee Keith, Jason Edward Keith, and William (Sharon) Garrett Plunk, and a daughter Carla (Kevin) Diane Bicart, as well as his loving grandchildren; Gabriel Villagomez, Joshua Dennis, Katie Dennis, and Laurel Dennis.

A Memorial Service for Jim will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 11:00 am at Wilks Funeral Homes, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. The Memorial Service will be live-streamed. To watch the livestream, please visit this page on the day of the service. Jim will be privately placed at a later date at the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery, 1585 East Elm Street, Buhl, Idaho 83316.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the Guestbook section below.