John A. Plumb

John Alfred Plumb, 91, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away on November 8, 2025. John was born on November 29, 1933, in Waynesboro, Virginia.  He graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1953 and then attended Fishburn Military School in Waynesboro for one year before entering the United States Army in 1954.  Following two years of military service, John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in general physical science from Bridgewater College (VA) in 1960 and a Master of Science degree from Southern Illinois University in 1963.  In 1972, John earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in zoology (fisheries) from Auburn University.

From 1962 to 1969, John was employed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service working at federal fish hatcheries in the Upper Midwest.  In 1965, he revolutionized fish health management by being the first to coat fish food with antibiotics to treat diseased populations.  In 1969, he was employed by the Auburn University Zoology Department as a research associate. In 1972, John was appointed Assistant Professor of Fisheries at Auburn University and retired as a Professor in 1998.  John’s primary professional interest was infectious microbial diseases of fish with an emphasis on freshwater fish species.  His research emphasized viral and bacterial infections of freshwater fishes and how environmental conditions affect these diseases. During his time at Auburn, John worked closely with the commercial catfish industry and other aquaculture industries in Alabama as well as state conservation agencies throughout the Southeast. He was also involved with aquaculture on an international level, traveling to more than twenty countries as a consultant.  During his professional career, John was elected president of the Fish Health Section of the American Fisheries Society and was a co-editor and founder of the Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. He authored the book “Health Maintenance and Principal Microbial Diseases of Cultured Fishes.”

Outside of academia, John was a gifted woodworker who crafted beautiful furniture and cabinetry. He was an avid gardener and devoted outdoorsman who inspired a passion for nature in those around him.  John was active in his church, he enjoyed a good book, and he loved his family.

John is preceded in death by his parents, William Howard Plumb and Lois Leticia (Coffee) Plumb, and his sisters, Margaret Alise Leslie and Sarah Ann Doggett. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy (Margaret Louise Davis) Plumb of Auburn, Alabama, a daughter, Renee Plumb Norman (Drew) of Montgomery, Alabama, and a son, David William Plumb (Charlotte) of Foley, Alabama.  His additional blessings include four granddaughters, Caroline Bentley Cook (Blaine), Mary Elizabeth Norman Booth (Andrew), Suzanne Rebecca Norman, Caitlin Nicole Plumb (Ben), and three great-grandchildren, Holden Thomas Cook, Finley Kay Cook, and Hayes Margaret Booth, along with beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

John's family would like to express its deepest gratitude to the precious people who helped care for him.  Chavala Johnson, Evelyn Mills, and the people of Compassus Hospice gave his family peace of mind when most needed.

If you wish to honor John, please consider contributing in his memory to one of these organizations:

The Plumb House Museum, c/o Waynesboro Heritage Foundation, PO Box 517, Waynesboro, VA 22980

Mercy Medical Ministry, 1702 Catherine Court, Suite 1A, Auburn, AL 36830

Tunnel to Towers Foundation, PO Box 70719, Philadelphia, PA 19176 (www.T2T.org)

Graveside Service - Wednesday, November 12 at 1:00 pm; Memorial Park Cemetery, 1000 East Samford Avenue, Auburn, Alabama

Celebration of Life - Wednesday, November 26; Visitation 9:00 am, Service 10:00 am. Auburn United Methodist Chapel, 137 South Gay Street, Auburn, Alabama