James L. Plankenhorn

James L. Plankenhorn, 84, of Utica, passed away August 11, 2025 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa.

Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, August 19, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Utica with Rev. Michael Driscoll officiating. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in La Salle. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 AM at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle. A rosary will be recited at 9:00 AM in the funeral home by Jim’s brother, Joe.

Jim was born in Ottawa on February 19, 1941 to James O. and Lista M. (Johns) Plankenhorn.  He was a coach, teacher, ski instructor and bus driver.  Jim was raised in Utica, attended Marquette High School in Ottawa, and was coached under the direction of John Pocivasek.  He participated in many sports, and was inducted into the Marquette High School Hall of Fame in 1967. After high school, Jim attended the University of Illinois, where he played football coached by Pete Eliott.  He was an avid jogger, marathon runner, and biker. He biked the event, Ride the Rockies. He was a sports enthusiast. He enjoyed golfing, skiing, traveling, and teaching CCD in Denver.

Jim played football for four years for the “Fighting Illini”, that gave him the opportunity to be part of the 1963 Champions that took them to the January 1, 1964 Rose Bowl, where Jim helped win with his straight line field goal kicking ability. He played alongside Illini Great, Jim Grabowski and Illini Legend, Dick Butkus.

Jim went on to teach and coach at Homewood Flossmore High School. He found a short career as a ski instructor in Vail, Colorado. He then worked for 35 years driving for Greyhound in Denver.

Jim is survived by one sister, Shari Plankenhorn of Streator; one brother, Joe (Linda) Plankenhorn in Utica; two nieces, Conni (Will) Witherspoon and Jennifer (Mike) Krolak; four nephews, Jon Plankenhorn, Chris Plankenhorn, Tim (Jolene) Plankenhorn, and Mark (Barbie) Plankenhorn; one sister-in-law Cecelia “Sis” Plankenhorn of Peru; and great nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by one brother, Jon Plankenhorn and his special friend of 35 years, Jung Gibson.

Memorials may be directed to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry.

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