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James FitzPatrick Obituary
James W. (Jim) FitzPatrick
July 21, 1933 - March 19, 2024
James W. (Jim) FitzPatrick, 90, passed away peacefully at home on March 19, 2024, in Venice, FL. He was born July 21, 1933, in Cherokee, IA, to Maurice and Nora FitzPatrick, and died after brief illness.
A memorial service will be held on April 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Epiphany Catholic Church in Venice. A celebration of life will follow at Made in Italy, Venice, FL, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret; his second wife, Darlene; and nephew Ron. Survivors include his close friend, Jean Slusser; children: Greg, Tom (Lorena), Jill (Jeff) Wallace, Kathy, and Tracey (Cory) Miller; brothers: Pat (Monica) and Denny (Maryl); grandchildren: Sophie and Shane FitzPatrick, Cameron and Garrett Miller, and Rae (Scotty) Benge; and nephews and niece: Sean, Robert, Michael, and Joannie.
Jim spent his younger days in Storm Lake, IA, where he graduated from St. Mary's High School and Buena Vista University. He received his Master's Degree in music composition from Drake University, Des Moines, IA. He spent many years as a music teacher and then worked as a federal computer programmer at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, IL, before retiring to Florida.
Music was one of his great passions. He and his trombone played many gigs in Iowa and Florida, including a weekly dance at the Senior Friendship Center in Venice. With his one-eyed rescued feline, Hubble, by his side, Jim and Jean faithfully watched their beloved Tampa Bay Rays play baseball nightly, along with Seinfeld reruns and old movies.
He supported a wide variety of charities throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Francis Animal Rescue of Venice or the Senior Friendship Center of Venice.
Jim was a true gentleman and scholar. One of his friends put it best: "What this old world sorely needs now is more Jim FitzPatricks." Amen to that.
Memories and Condolences
for James FitzPatrick
3 Entries
Dick Castle
April 16, 2024
I met Jim in the Rock Island Arsenal Band where we played side by side, Jim with his valve trombone and me with my slide trombone. We enjoyed every minute of it. After retirement, we played a few gigs together where he would play either the valve trombone or the baritone horn. Many of those gigs were with my circus band and polka band where he played baritone. Jim was a very talented musician who would write and orchestrate music for the band. We enjoyed playing his music long after he moved to Florida. My family and I enjoyed visiting with Jim and his good friend Jean last year when spending a few months in Florida. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to Jean and the Fitzpatrick Family.
Dick Castle
Jane Mockmore Fogle
April 15, 2024
I knew Fitz (& Jim Tucker) briefly when I was a part-time keypunch operator at AMETA in the late 60's early 70's. He (and Jim) were two of the nicest & funniest students to work with. My condolences to the FitzPatrick family.
Jim and Carol Tucker, (Bettendorf), Cathy (Tucker) May, (Davenport), Becky
April 15, 2024
The passing of Mr. Fitzpatrick is sad news for our family. He, his wife and their kids Greg, Tom, Jill, and Kathy were a huge part of our lives for years (Late 1960s - 70s) when they lived in the QCs! My dad, Jim Tucker, and "Fitz," as he was warmly called, worked together at A.M.E.T.A. on the Arsenal for years and years. My sister and I played with Jill and Kathy when our young families, along with a close group of others, got together for picnics on the Arsenal, SOOOO many Thanksgivings, and TONS of family get-togethers and parties. I remember my family and the Fitzpatricks together a lot. When we visited their house we kids were allowed to run all over the house, playing whatever, and getting into whatever - and NEVER getting into trouble for being too loud, running, or doing anything! It was always great fun being at their house! They were a wonderful family. I miss all the old times and all the wonderful people, but I have treasured memories. Our condolences to all of you. He and Marg were such nice people, raised a great family, and are truly missed. Our hearts go out to their family.
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