Father James Richard Plummer, 77, who served as an Air Force chaplain for 25 years before becoming pastor of St. Isidore Parish in Vineland, died Thursday, Jan. 28. He was 77.
Born Feb. 19, 1932 in Atlantic City, Father Plummer attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook, Pa., before being ordained by Bishop Justin J. McCarthy on May 31, 1958, at Camden’s St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral.
His first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Gregory Parish, Magnolia, where he served from 1958-62. In 1959, he also served as a part-time teacher at Gloucester Catholic High School.
From 1962-87, he served with the United States Air Force as chaplain. Upon his return, he became parochial vicar at St. Joseph, Sea Isle City, from 1987-88, then became pastor of St. Isidore, Vineland from 1988-91.
He served as senior priest at St. Luke, Stratford (1991-94) and Assumption, Wildwood Crest (1994-99) before retiring in February 1999.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Atlantic City. Burial took place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing.