James M. Fitzsimmons

My deepest sympathy to you Joan and the family. Jim is with the Lord and with his friend, Philip Carole Keuper

We met Jim and Joan in the fall of 1970 at Homestead AFB, our first assignment as a married couple with Jim as Rich´s flight commander. I still remember my husband complaining that the flight had to build a ping pong table when they weren´t flying, not realizing that in this too there were lessons taught. We became life long friends with them both visiting in Florida and Arizona. As Jim often said, "God Bless."

Thank you Colonel Fitz for your tremendous leadership! You inspired many in AFROTC. Your positive example changed my life for the better. I admired your courage as F4 Gunfighter, and your interest in my potential has been remembered many times. Charles Barney U of A AFROTC 1974

Not to blow my horn but Col Fitzsimmons took a chance on me as the incumbent UofA AFROTC Commander. Listened to all my ideas. Helped establish a fair and equitable promotion system for cadets. He was a natural at teaching you things and making you feel it was your idea. A true leader. God Speed. In The Name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Amen Larry Foreman class of 75

Thank you for your leadership and mentorship, sir. I listened when you talked to me about not taking advantage of my potential. It didn't happen right away, but it stuck with me, and you changed my life.

I have fond memories of "Fitz" coming into the AFROTC break room at the University of Arizona while I was a cadet. He liked to play ping pong and he would always try to urge current players to end their game so he could play. Almost before he was in the room his standard remark, uttered quite loudly, was "20 to what?" On a more serious note, he also mentored me to make the Air Force a career, which I did. He just couldn't understand why I became a helicopter pilot.

An entire generation of Air Force officers was inspired by Colonel Fitz. We owe him so much. A great leader, great man and great American.

Thank you for your service sir.