About Jewel & Jim Plumb
Mercy Medical Center is the recipient of one of the largest single gifts in the hospital’s 121-year history. The donation was given to Mercy by the estate of the late Jewel and Jim Plumb of Cedar Rapids.
Jim, or “Jimmy” as he was known to many, passed away in 2004, and his wife, Jewel, passed in August 2019. Hospital leaders say their gift will support the development of Mercy’s new Heart Center.
“This gift is transformational,” said Mercy President and CEO, Tim Charles. “It enables Mercy to start the next chapter in our heart program by advancing the level of heart care available in our community. I think Jewel and Jim would be happy to see the impact their generosity is having on our community and the benefits it will provide to its citizens.”
“We are truly grateful for the Plumb’s generous gift; it is a milestone in Mercy’s history and builds upon the tremendous momentum of our heart program. Their commitment to our community has been truly remarkable,” said Lorrie Erusha, president of the Mercy Medical Center Foundation.
Jim’s father, James Plumb Sr., inherited Iowa Manufacturing Co. and later sold it to Howard Hall. James remained with the company as vice president and treasurer. Jim became a graphic designer at Iowa Manufacturing and used his meticulous artistic skills to build the models of Iowa Manufacturing equipment, some of which are now housed at Brucemore.
The family’s long-time attorney and close friend, Darrel Morf, spoke of the Plumbs during the groundbreaking ceremony, saying the couple was quiet in their giving and had an affinity for Mercy Medical Center as a result of the excellent care Jim received during several illnesses later in his life.
