Herbert Lester Plum AKA "Jody" or "Grumps"

Herbert Lester Plum, 76, aka Jody or "Grumps," was born in Harrisburg, Virginia, May 13, 1947, and passed from this life, January 1, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Grumps was a well-traveled outdoor enthusiast, life-long Boy Scout, American history buff, firearms collector, and staunch supporter of the Second Amendment. His true vocation was being a captivating conversationalist with never-ending stories. He lived the famous Will Rogers' quote: "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet."

He made his home in 12 states including: Virginia, California, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Ohio, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, South Dakota, North Carolina, South Carolina and New Mexico. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1970, his biology degree would be called an environmental degree today. At UNLV he helped research the Pup Fish, a prehistoric pond fish found in the late 60's. He worked at Virginia Power, Public Service Company of New Mexico, Department of Energy with Los Alamos Labs, WIPP, and sites in Idaho Falls, ID; Cincinnati, OH; and Paduka, KY.

Jody's wide range of work experiences also included: "I was an EMT, firefighter, carpet installer, tenor sax player, door builder, and I dressed as Santa for J.C. Penny when I was in high school." He told the grandkids that he wanted to be a cowboy like Roy Rogers, Gene Autrey and John Wayne. After retirement, Plum worked part time at Cabela's sharing his vast bullet knowledge with a captive audience. He repaired Barbies, constructed child picnic tables, and loaned out many tools with detailed verbal instructions. His photography included family, flowers, wild animals, and scenery (loved Jenny Lake near Yellowstone), but no selfies.

Grumps was a true dog lover; however, nine years ago he bottle-fed a tuxedo rescue cat, Neila, who sat on his chest every day as his TV Pal and on his bed at night. (He had a softer side.)

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Lester Plum and Ruth Nethkin Plum of Idaho Falls, ID, and his son Josiah Edward Plum of Las Vegas, NV.

Herbert Plum is survived by his wife Carol Blue Radosevich of the home; his brothers Paul (Margie) Plum of Scotia, CA, Bill (Karen) Plum of North Port, WA, and Marty (Shera) Plum of Idaho Falls, ID, and sister Margo Hendricks of Ammon, ID; his son Jason Plum (Rachael) of Las Vegas, NV; daughters Karla Radosevich and Mindy (Kevin Sedillo) Radosevich of Albuquerque; grandchildren M Dawson (Alexa) Plum of Andover, KS; Phoenix Plum of New Orleans, LA; Marcos Campos of Albuquerque; Tameron DeRenzo of Bend, OR; Devon Town of Las Vegas, NA; Kadence and Kendell Chavez, Sierra, Savanna, Summer and LJ Sedillo of Albuquerque; great grandsons Liam and Zander Plum of Andover, KS; nephew Luke Hendricks of Ammon, ID, and numerous Plums scattered in several states.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at French Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Honorary Pallbearers are his lifetime friends John Berry, Col. Joe Canteriani, Jim Brannon, George Dingman, James Pigg, Rich Segotta, Nate Wooding, Steve Zappe, and Daniel Zientek.

In lieu of flowers, support can be sent to the treasurer of his current Boy Scout Troup 1 at Venmo:@SPCTroop1 Sheri Ann Degroat (505) 604-9410 degroatsheri@gmail.com

Happy Trails!