James P. Fitzgerald

James P. Fitzgerald, 63, passed away at Warren Barr Gold Coast home in Chicago, IL, on Monday, March 30, 2026 after a short journey with cancer.

Jim was born in Beloit, WI, on January 8, 1963 to Dr. William and Alexandria (Hoevel) Fitzgerald. He attended St. Thomas grade school and graduated from Beloit Catholic High School (1981) and UW Madison (1985) where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After graduation he toured the country as a national representative for the fraternity visiting local university chapters throughout the US for 3 years before embarking on a 20 plus year career in advertising/public relations at several firms in Chicago and New York City including McDonalds Corporation.

Unfortunately, Jim suffered an attack of Transverse Myelitis- a rare disabling neuromuscular disorder in mid-career necessitating early disability retirement. He continued to reside in Chicago volunteering as a reader for The Chicago Lighthouse for the blind until the time of his cancer diagnosis in fall 2025.

Survivors include his siblings, Meg (Bill) Pokorny of La Grange, IL, Pat Fitzgerald (Jim Rasmusen) of St. Paul, MN, Kate Fitzgerald-Fleck of Elkhorn, WI, Bill (Pam) Fitzgerald of Beloit, WI, Alex (Kirk) Kealey of Portland, OR, and Tom (Mary) Fitzgerald of Lake Elmo, MN; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law, Bill Fitzgerald-Fleck.

Jim liked driving vintage Cadillacs, watching the Green Bay Packers and reading the New York Post. He was a kind, witty, funny guy who had lots of opinions on lots of subjects, which he gladly shared with anyone who would listen. Life dealt Jim a lot of tough breaks but through it all-like Frank Sinatra-he did it his way.

Special thanks to Dr. Bhalla and the staff at Warren Barr Golden Coast, his long time home physical therapist Despina Kotsapouikas and his special, devoted longtime friends, Mike Mckearn, Ron and Jim Weirick and Mark Birringer.

In keeping with his wishes there will be no formal visitation or funeral service. Private family interment will be arranged at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind or a charity of your choice in Jim's name.