Rev. James Edward Fitzpatrick

Rev. James Edward Fitzpatrick, 76, passed away on January 25, 2026. He was an associate minister at New Zion Baptist Church and a U.S. Air Force Veteran. Services will be Thursday, February 5, 2025 beginning with visitation at 10 am and funeral service to follow at 12 noon at New Zion Baptist Church, 1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive. Interment will be in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.

Rev. James Edward Fitzpatrick, born June 19, 1949, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant of God, and tireless community advocate, transitioned from this life surrounded by love and legacy.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Rev. Fitzpatrick was a man deeply rooted in faith, education, and service. He graduated from Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree, and continued his theological education at American Baptist Theological College. During visits to Louisville between 1979–1980, he also attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, further preparing himself for a life of ministry.

Rev. Fitzpatrick began his ministry at Temple Baptist Church in Nashville under the leadership of the late Bishop Michael Lee Graves. There, he faithfully served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher for the Men's and Deacon's classes, President of the Usher Board, youth winter retreat coordinator, and mentor to young boys in the church mentoring program. His calling was formally recognized in 1979, when he became a licensed minister.

Answering God's call, Rev. Fitzpatrick later moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he joined New Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A. Russell Awkard. He served as Associate Minister and worked closely alongside Pastor Awkard. His ministry at New Zion was expansive and deeply relational-he was an active member of the Cushites Men's Ministry, President of the Good News Prison Ministry, and senior teacher of the R.E.A.C.H. Sunday School class, affectionately known as "The Family."

Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Fitzpatrick lived his faith through action. He was employed as a Case Manager at Phoenix Family Health Center, where he taught classes twice a week to individuals experiencing homelessness and those recovering from addiction. He was known for going the extra mile-helping people secure housing, Social Security benefits, and medical care, while offering dignity, encouragement, and hope.

Rev. Fitzpatrick also faithfully served as a visiting minister to church members in hospitals and nursing homes, ensuring no one was forgotten and that compassion remained at the center of his ministry.

Rev. James Edward Fitzpatrick leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his wisdom, faith, and gentle strength. He is survived by his devoted wife, Marlene Fitzpatrick; his daughter, Ebony Fitzpatrick; his stepchildren, Christie and Saundra; his beloved grandchildren, Adia, Cory, Imani, and Oshun; his sisters, Yvonne and Lynn; and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family members, church family, and countless lives touched by his ministry and service.

Rev. James Edward Fitzpatrick's life was a testament to servant leadership, unwavering faith, and love in action. His legacy lives on in every life he encouraged, every soul he guided, and every prayer he lifted.