James A. Pletz, aged 65 of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026. A man of precision and passion, Jim spent his career building things that lasted. He rose through the various levels at R.C. Fabricators to become head of engineering, a role he held with great pride and dedication.
When he wasn’t drafting fabrication and building plans at the office, Jim cheered for his beloved Phillies from within Citizen’s Bank Park or from home during televised broadcasts. He was a man who valued clarity and logic; if a conversation strayed too far from the heart of the matter, he was quick to gently remind his family or colleagues, “you’re missing the point.”
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Ellen, and his children, Brian Pletz of Wilmington, Delaware, Sarah Staley of Wilmington, Delaware, and (stepdaughter) Amy Bourett of Swedesboro, New Jersey. He is also survived by his siblings, Phyllis Pletz, Dean Pletz, and Margaret Hulburt. He was a proud grandfather of six: Zachary, Elena, Kayleigh, Alex, Savannah and KJ. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, a love for the game, and a reminder to always keep our eyes on what truly matters.
The family would like to thank his medical team for the care and attention they gave Jim over the many years that he dealt with ALS: Dr. Lauren Elman and team at Penn Medicine, and Dr. Jamie Rapacciuolo of Christiana Care.
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