Obituary
James Ploska, Jr. of New Smyrna Beach passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2023 due to health complications.
Born on September 22, 1949, in Queens, New York, Jim was the eldest son of James and Irene Ploska. Raised in West Islip, Long Island, Jim graduated from West Babylon High School in 1967. After serving in the National Guard, he worked as a laborer and eventually built a successful commercial contracting business, APM Construction. In 1994, he relocated his family and rebuilt his business in Port Orange, Florida.
Jim had a magnetic personality and a dynamic sense of humor that people were drawn to. He was innovative, intelligent, creative, and mechanical, with a myriad of interests. Jim was an exotic car aficionado who enjoyed playing tennis, boating, flying airplanes, listening to music, and playing guitar.
Jim was a dedicated father who taught his daughters everything he felt would prepare them for this world. He was always there for advice and available at the drop of a hat in times of need. Once his children were grown, Jim liked to be involved in his community volunteering at Spruce Creek High School, helping to build the Cross Creek Community Church, and participating in 4ocean beach cleanups.
On weekends, Jim and his wife Stephanie frequented Tampa Bay Rays games, rock concerts, slot tournaments in Atlantis and Tampa, and Bike Week, but mostly enjoyed golf cart rides with their dog Ruble and lounging by the pool.
Jim is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his four daughters, Andrea Hocker, Megan (Mike) Tardio, Kristen (Tom) Butler, and Halley Urbanak; his grandchildren Sarah, James, Brian, Grace, Michael, Madelin, Vivien, Hayden and Bryce; his two younger siblings, Robert Ploska and Lorraine Stegemann and his nieces and nephews; Danielle, JoAnna, Alex, Willow, Orion, and Max.
We are grateful for any thoughts and prayers from family and friends. In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family welcomes you to send donations to Halifax Humane Society or 4ocean.
A celebration of life will be held at Cross Creek Community Church, 424 Luna Bella Lane, Suite 120 in New Smyrna Beach on Friday, April 21 at 4 pm.
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