James Cauthen Plyler Jr.

July 12, 1943 - September 12, 2022

James Cauthen Plyler, Jr., devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Sept. 12, surrounded by his loving family. Jim, as he was affectionately known, was born in Temple, Texas on July 12, 1943 to James Cauthen and Marjorie Edwards Plyler. Jim had a kind and gentle heart. He loved deeply, lived to serve others, was a lifelong seeker of knowledge, and always kept a positive attitude. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2017, he claimed it was not a death sentence, just a new way of living. He faced his new reality with bravery and grace and said that he had led a blessed life, so instead of saying "why me?" he said "why not me?"

Jim is survived by his "loving bride" of 57 years, Geri Helms Plyler. If you had ever been within their presence, you knew Jim and Geri's earthly relationship, one of 63 years, was absolutely amazing and full of respect and love.

He is also survived by two devoted children, Jonathan Edwards Plyler and his wife Janice of Cornelius, and Ginger Plyler Hightower and her husband Jon of Weddington. He was known as Poppy to his three grandsons, Jake Gardner Plyler, James Crawford Hightower and Jack Delk Hightower. He is also survived by his sister Anne Lee and brother Bill Plyler.
 
He graduated from Monroe High School in 1961. A Tarheel tried and true, Jim graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1968 then went to work in the family business, USCO, Inc. He also achieved the rank of Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. Jim was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved to hate the game of golf. Not only was he a successful businessman, but he was also active in industry organizations, serving as president of the Southern Wholesalers Association. Jim had a true servant's heart! Serving on numerous boards and committees at Central United Methodist Church, Rolling Hills Country Club, Turning Point, Community Shelter, and the Arts Council of Union County, Jim used his business savvy to make Union County a better place to live and raise a family. Jim also enjoyed leading long-range planning and organizational sessions for a myriad of non-profit organizations throughout the community. Jim was named Union County Man of the Year in 2017, a testament to his passion for giving his time and energy to improving Union County and following the example of his father, who received the honor in 1962.

A memorial service was held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at Central United Methodist Church Monroe (801 S. Hayne Street, Monroe, NC 28112). Interment was private.

Directly following the service family and friends were invited to gather at Rolling Hills Country Club (2722 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe NC 28110) to celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Central United Methodist Church, 801 S. Hayne Street, Monroe, NC 28112, to Turning Point, PO Box 952, Monroe, NC 28111, or the Community Shelter of Union County, 160 Meadow Street, Monroe, NC, 28110.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservce.com. Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Plyler Family.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Sep. 16, 2022.