James Plumpton, 78, died Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin. He was born in Sunderland, England, on October 29, 1936, the son of James and Laura (Heatherington) Plumpton. He earned a master's degree in economics at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England.
James was a veteran of the Royal Air Force. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Joyce Brown, in England. Joyce and James moved to New Jersey in 1978 and in 1987, moved to the Mad River Valley area.
James had worked in the laminate manufacturing business in England, India and in New Jersey for Formica Corporation, where he was president. James and his wife, Joyce, owned and operated the Hamilton House Bed and Breakfast in the Mad River Valley for many years.
James enjoyed being active in his community. He was a founding member of the Mad River Cricket Club and Vermont Festival of the Arts.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce of Waitsfield; three sons, Richard Plumpton of Asbury, NJ, Jonathan Plumpton of Oakland, CA, and Simon James Plumpton of Burlington; one sister, Susan Perry of England; and two grandchildren, Charlotte and Andrew Plumpton.
He is predeceased by his brother, Alfred Plumpton.
In keeping with his wishes, there were no calling hours. A funeral service celebrating his life was held at the Round Barn in Waitsfield, on Monday, February 23, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mad River Valley Ambulance Service.
