James Dale “Jimmy” Ploutz, 57, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, May 06, 2013, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Jimmy was born on April 03, 1956 in Russell, Kansas, the son of Frank H. and Elizabeth J. (Windholz) Ploutz.  Jimmy grew up in the Russell area most all his life and attended local schools.  He served his country in the Army National Guard for 6 years.  Recently he worked for Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell in the housekeeping department.  For many years, he worked in the oil industry for Emphasis Oil Company and Prater Oilfield Services.  He was a jack of all trades and master of none.  He enjoyed helping people as a handyman and worked on many handyman projects all over town for many people.  He also enjoyed music, chopping wood, drinking Pepsi and spending time with family, kids and friends. 

Surviving family include his son Cody Herbel of Russell; brothers Jack Ploutz and wife Stacie of McCracken, Kansas, Jeff Ploutz and wife Terrie of Russell and Justin Ploutz and wife Heidi of Rozel, Kansas; sisters Caroline Orcutt and husband Frank of Rama, Colorado, Raileene Ramsey and husband Roger, Pam Ramsey and husband Wilbern and Valerie Ramsey and husband Perry all of Russell; grandchildren Camren, Evan and Arianna Herbel.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Heath Orcutt.

A memorial service to celebrate Jimmy’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, May 13, 2013, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Family will have a private family burial later in the day.  After the memorial service at the mortuary, the family would like to invite family and friends to the V.F.W. Post #6240 in Russell for food and fellowship.  Memorials can be given to the James Ploutz Memorial Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.