James "Jim" Willis Plante

James “Jim” Willis Plante, 86, passed away early Saturday morning, January 6th, 2024, in Stillwater, MN.  During the final days, Jim was surrounded by his loving family and received exceptional care from the caregivers at The Estates of Greeley and Hospice of the Midwest.

James Walter Willis Plante was born in Gentilly Township, near Crookston, MN, on July 8th, 1937, the son of Ovilla and Annette (Lessard) Plante. He grew up on a family farm near Gentilly, MN and graduated from Crookston’s Cathedral High School in 1955.  After graduation, Jim worked at the Reserve Mining Company taconite plant in Silver Bay, MN and returned to Crookston to work for Arden Leas Red River Valley Transport as a truck driver and diesel mechanic.  In 1967, Jim moved his family from Red Lake Falls, MN to White Bear Lake, MN where he was employed at Kohler Mix Specialties. After working at Kohler Mix, he decided to pursue further education and enrolled at the Control Data Institute and then Brown Institute in the field of electronics. After graduating from Brown, Jim was employed by Schaak Electronics as an electronic technician and then as the National Service Manager for Schaak’s Audiophile Stereo Service Center.  After his employment at Schaak Electronics, his passion for the open road grew as he became an Owner/Operator of his own semi-trailer truck. Jim continued driving over the road until he retired from Multi-Load Transport, Inc., in Rice, MN. 

Jim had many self-taught talents from carpentry, engine and carburetor rebuilding, to fixing electronic components.  While being talented with many skills, Jim shared his knowledge and was always ready to assist where he could. Through Jim’s experiences and travels, he developed several friendships and respect from others no matter where he was. Throughout his life, Jim left many memories along his open road that others will cherish for years to come. 

Jim is survived by his 5 children: Dianne (Bob) Klaus of Jacksonville, FL, Richard (Kris) Plante of Cadott, WI, Rhonda (Beau) Von Drashek of Vero Beach, FL, Jaime Plante of Wyoming, MN, and Jacki (Brian) Anderson of Cincinnati, OH.  He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, including Alexa, Brandon, Lauren, Nick, Kari, Tayler, Abbie, Peyton, Caleb, Cora, and Dylan, as well as great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by his brother, Lowell (Joyce) Plante, Twin Falls, ID, and sisters Lenore Perreault, Grand Rapids, MN, and Monica (Larry) Beauchene, The Villages, FL. Jim is preceded in death by his son, Allan James; granddaughter Nicole; parents, Ovilla and Annette; brothers, Dennis, Merle, Keith, and sister Eileen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 29, 2024, 11:00 A.M. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Gentilly Township, Minnesota and will be hosted by his family.