James Edward (Jim) Fitzgerald, 72, of Fife Lake, passed away Nov 19, 2010 of natural causes in the Upper Peninsula while hunting.
Jim was born on Nov 28, 1937 in Detroit, MI to the late Audrey and George Fitzgerald. He attended Catholic Central High School where he proudly held the pole vaulting record for many years. After graduating, Jim attended John Carol College and enlisted to serve in the Army.
In 1960, he met the love of his life and married Pat Rodemsky. Jim worked as a wood model maker for 33 years at General Motors Tech Center in Warren, MI. It was there they raised their three children and lived until retiring in 1993.
They then moved to Fife Lake where he joined the American Legion Post 219. He enjoyed staying busy and became a very active member, volunteering as the Finance Officer, Bar Manager, and Head of Maintenance. His passions in life were working hard, hunting, softball, square dancing, his pets, and eating ice cream.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Pat; sons James (Tracie) Fitzgerald of Waterford and Joseph (Barb) Fitzgerald of Kingsley; daughter Patricia (Gary) Ritthaler of Kalkaska; grandchildren, Brandon Frohs, Shayla and Heather Fitzgerald, Anthony, Darrin, and Kayla Fitzgerald; brother, Bob (Kathy) Fitzgerald of Livonia; sisters, Mary (Robert) Warfield of Freeville, NY, Patti Berdan of Allentown, PA; as well as many nieces, nephews, and special friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, stepmother, stepbrother, and six brothers in law.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Aloyious of Fife Lake on Sat, Dec 4 at 1 pm with Rev. Norman Dickson officiating. There will also be a memorial service with military honors at the Fife Lake American Legion directly following the mass. Immediately after the service, a luncheon will be served by the American Legion in honor of Jim.
The family chose Lakeside Memorial Chapel of Iron Mountain for Cremation Services.
