Lt Col (Ret.) James "JT" Theodore Plummer was born 8 Aug. 1941 in Pawnee, OK to Theodore and Oleta "Jones" Plummer. He grew up in Oklahoma living in Hominy and Ralston with his parents and brother, Joe. JT graduated from Hominy High School in 1959. He attended Oklahoma State University where he got his Bachelors Degree while also participating in ROTC and as a member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. He received his Masters Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in California.
JT became a father for the first time in 1963 with the birth of his son Joe. In 1965, JT found himself in the lucky position of meeting Lt Louvinia "Lou" Ann Tidwell. The two were married May 28, 1966. Lou, although out ranking JT, left the service and became the support system JT needed. Together they had three daughters, Rhonda, Kathleen, and Shannon.
JT proudly served in the United States Air Force for over 24 years. He was a B52 radar navigator. JT served in Vietnam where he received two Disguised Flying Crosses. One for flying in over two hundred missions and, a second for bravery after problems arose with the B52. JT also flew in the Arch Light Mission over Vietnam. Some have said that this was a turning point in the war allowing many troops to return home. JT was proud to have flown in Arch Light and attended many reunions held annually by and for survivors.
While in the United States Air Force, JT served in many roles. He was a flight instructor, commanding officer of both Transportation and Supply Squadrons. He served as Deputy Base Commander and Interim Base Commander. JT maintained flight status for his entire military career; meaning he managed to stay in just enough shape and sharp about the wits to fly if needed.
Of the many accolades he was given through his military career being made an Honorary Chief and Honorary Gunner while still on active duty were the recognitions that meant the most. JT said as difficult as it can be to give an order. It is many times harder to unquestioningly carry the order out regardless of the potential consequences. He said he never asked anyone to do something that he himself would not do. As an Honorary Chief and Honorary Gunner he had gained the respect of those brave men and women.
After retiring from the Air Force, JT worked at Rocky Flats in Colorado. And, soon after, he and Lou moved to Logan, KS; followed by their three daughters and, by now, two grandsons – the third to arrive shortly thereafter. JT became very active in the VFW after retiring and served as State Commander. He kept himself busy and was always on the go putting thousands of miles on many vehicles. But, he was a generous man; always willing to help out and occasionally call BS if he felt it fit the situation. He was an active member of the Logan United Methodist Church.
JT shared that while in college he set three goals for himself: to graduate college with a 'B' average, to retire from the US Air Force nothing less than a Lt Colonel, and to take care of his family as best he could. JT stated that he knew he reached his first two goals. It was that third goal he kept working towards. But, as we sit here remembering the husband, father, and grandfather, we know with complete certainty that JT reached that third goal. JT once shared with his daughter Kathleen when she asked him to promise that he would never die – "I can't promise you that darlin'. But, I promise to never leave you." And, he has not left us. He will always be a part of everything we do, in our thoughts, and hearts. He has just simply gone ahead to make sure everything is set up to his liking. And, this time, we bet he won't complain if we make him wait.
Survivors include his wife Lou of the home; his son, Joseph of Oklahoma City; his daughters, Rhonda Plummer of Logan, Kathleen Plummer of Hays & Shannon Plummer of Smith Center; his brother, Joe of Paso Robles, CA & 3 grandchildren, Dillon McConney, Gage LeRoux & Bodey LeRoux.
For those of you that knew JT at all knew of his passion for cooking and his knowledge and ability of firearms. These were passions and knowledge he passed on to his children and grandchildren. JT loved to have a houseful of people he could share his cooking with. He shared many a meal with others, especially his beans and amazing salsa. Rhonda often was his taste tester. Our father was a man of many different talents and gifts .He could come off as rough and stern, but he had a heart of gold. To his family he will always be son, brother, husband , father, grandfather, cowboy, decorated and brave soldier , Christian, and a patriot. He was a man we all LOVED and respected. Our HERO. He was loved by many and will be truly missed. Fly high Sir.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Dec. 21 at 2:00 p.m. in the Kansas Veteran's Cemetery, Wakeeney, with Pastor Ted Stapleton officiating.

There will be no visitation.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's or to the Stockton VFW.