Community rallies to support Plymouth Street Superintendent in need of life-saving transplant

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 12:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Plymouth community is being called upon to support one of its own as Plymouth Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt faces the fight of his life.

Marquardt is currently at the IU Medical Center in Indianapolis, where he is battling non-alcoholic liver disease and awaiting a life-saving liver transplant. The waiting period has been incredibly difficult for Jim and his wife, Dar, filled with long hospital stays, medical uncertainties, and mounting financial stress.

As the couple navigates this challenging medical journey, they are facing significant expenses related to travel, lodging, daily necessities, and the high costs associated with transplant care.

To help alleviate this burden, close family friend Laura Mann has launched a fundraising campaign through SupportNow, a platform similar to GoFundMe. The campaign has set a goal of $10,000 to assist the Marquardt family with their travel, food, and lodging costs during this trying time, as well as to help cover ongoing household bills.

“It’s crucial they don’t have to worry about money, not when so much focus is needed on Jim’s health and recovery,” Mann said. “If you’ve ever known Jim, you know how much he cares for others. It’s our turn to care for him and Dar.”

Community members who wish to stand with Jim and Dar during this critical time have several ways to help:

Donate Online: Contributions can be made directly through the SupportNow registry at www.supportnow.org/jim-marquardt.
Donate Locally: For those who prefer to give in person, checks can be dropped off at the Plymouth Street Department, located on Western Avenue.
Share and Follow: Supporters are encouraged to share the fundraising link with family and friends to help spread the word, and to follow the page for ongoing updates on Jim's condition.