James "Jay" Melvin Ploessl, 72, passed away on August 24th, 2024 in Cape Coral, Florida after a nearly five year battle with pancreatic cancer. Jay was born in Dubuque, Iowa to Alvin Ploessl and Catherine (Oberfoell) on October 24th, 1951. The fourth of five brothers, Richard, Robert, Joseph and Kevin.

Jay attended Walert High school in Dubuque, graduating early in spring of 1969. Following his brother Robert's service, he volunteered to the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to Vietnam in the summer of 1969. He was honorably discharged with a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and National Defense Service Medal. After his service, Jay returned to Dubuque, where he worked in construction during the summers and as a ski instructor at Sundown Mountain during the winter. After meeting his future wife, Judy Mueller, they moved to Minneapolis, MN where Jay earned a degree as a Certified Clinical Perfusionist.  The couple relocated to Coralville, IA, in 1982 when Jay accepted a position as a perfusionist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. They were married on July 17, 1982, at St. Joseph's Church in Dubuque, IA. In 1985, they moved to the east side of Iowa City, where they raised their two children, Jeffrey and Cady (Noda).

A lifelong boater, Jay spent many weekends on the Mississippi River near Dubuque. He was an avid pheasant, turkey and deer hunter, with his greatest passion being fishing. Jay attended Iowa Football games as a season ticket holder for over 30 years. He was a dedicated father who wholeheartedly supported his children's interests and dreams, always putting their needs first. His boundless patience, willingness to make time for them, and his practical, down-to-earth advice were hallmarks of his devotion.

Jay retired in 2016 as Chief Perfusionist at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics and co-director of the University of Iowa Perfusion Education at Carver College of Medicine. He and Judy then moved to Cape Coral, FL, where Jay enjoyed his retirement by boating in Matlacha and fishing in the sunshine, surrounded by dolphins, manatees, turtles, and ospreys.

He found immense joy in entertaining friends and family, with a special fondness for spending time with his grandchildren, Jackson and Addison James (Noda). His face would light up at their visits and video calls, and he cherished every moment shared with them, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and love.

He was survived by his loving wife, Judy (Mueller); his children, Jeffrey and Cady (Drew) Noda; his grandchildren, Jackson and Addison James; his brothers, Richard, Joseph, and Kevin (Elaine); and numerous cherished nephews and nieces. He joins his brother, Robert (Lynn), and his parents in heaven.

Jay was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandpa, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Celebration of life tentatively planned in Dubuque, Iowa on October 24, 2024. More details to follow.