Jim Fisher Obituary

Jim Fisher

1950-2021

Salt Lake City, UT—James Aiken Fisher Jr., 70, died from complications of COVID-19 on Oct. 31, 2021 in Salt Lake City with his family at his side. He was the son of the late James A. Fisher and Edith Hall Fisher (Toto) of Pittsburgh, and brother of Chester G. Fisher III (Laura) and the late George S. Fisher.

Jim grew up in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, received a masters degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and PhD ABD from the University of Utah.

Jim found journalism through his interests in publishing and writing. He was an award-winning photojournalist who worked at the Boston Review of the Arts, Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque Living magazine, and the Salt Lake Tribune. Jim was a born teacher. He taught both photo and print journalism at the University of Missouri, University of Utah, and Utah Valley University.

He encouraged young reporters to "Go out and do it. Live it. Then tell someone."

Jim's taste for adventure included rodeo, skydiving, scuba diving and, above all else, fly fishing. He was passionate about women's soccer, which he participated in as both a coach and referee. He followed the U.S. Women's team religiously and a highlight for him was attending the Women's World Cup with his daughter, Claire, in Vancouver.

Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janet Atkinson Fisher; his son, James A. Fisher III (Robin Decosta) of Ketchum, Id.; and daughter Claire A. Fisher (Brian Krans) of Oakland, Ca.

A memorial will be planned at a later date.

You can celebrate Jim's life by starting your day with a slice of cake, lovingly pushing someone to be better, and listening to The Beatles, which Jim loved because Janet loved.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Nov. 17 to Nov. 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Fisher

11 Entries

Shane Johnson

September 6, 2023

Jim taught our Journalism 101 course circa 2002. None of us knew how to conjugate a verb or whatever. He decided to spend the first couple weeks of class learning us the English language where Utah's public schools had failed. He allowed me an elective credit in direct-study photojournalism (my last needed to graduate), and I met with him for an hour every week. He elucidated the history and theory of photojournalism ever-so-passionately, and I spit it back to him in my final paper ever-so-unimpressively. He nonetheless gave me a very kind C-, allowing me to graduate. I went on to become a PRINT journalist, mostly thanks to him (and Dan Harrie). Godspeed, Jim.

David McCreery

April 4, 2023

I remember Jimmy very well and am so sorry to now just know of his passing. We were both very close to the Propst family in Pittsburgh.

Christopher Reeves

July 20, 2022

I first started at the U of U as an art major in photography. I got a job at the Daily Utah Chronicle at the U and loved it. I met Jim and took a class or two and eventually asked him if I should switch degrees. He highly suggested I change. I now have a bachelor's degree in mass communication and have worked for a few newspapers, magazines and freelance all because of Jim's advice. He was my mentor in college and I respected everything that came out of his mouth. I took every single class that he taught at the U. I've been thinking about Jim lately because I live in Heber City and I remember Jim telling me, after I told him that I was moving here, that him and Vergobbi loved coming to Heber to fish the Provo. I've been thinking about Jim while fishing the Provo these past couple weeks. Then a friend told me he had passed. I will learn to fly fish now in memory of one of the most influential people in my life. I always remember seeing a photo of Janet, his wife, on his desk in his office when we would have a mentoring class. Condolences to Janet and his children. He was such a special person to me. Now every time I spend time on the river fishing, and listen to the Beatles, I will think of my good friend Jim.

Mary Ann Hatchitt

December 7, 2021

Jim had a vibrant life force and he was always great fun. He was a gifted photographer. I have many fond memories of our college years at The Daily Lobo, and the early years of our professional careers. My sincere condolences to Janet and the entire family. I´m grateful I got to know him.

David Nufer

December 6, 2021

I'm very sorry to hear this news. I have had a successful photography business for the past 33 years in no small part to Jim's generosity. In 1987 I returned to Albuquerque from graduate school in photography with no job and very few opportunities in my field. Jim had a commercial photography studio at the time but decided he wanted to pursue other interests. We made a deal that allowed me to take over his studio with all the equipment I would need to start my business. I remained at that studio until just one year ago. I will always be grateful for the opportunity he provided.

Donald W. Meyers

November 23, 2021

Jim was a good friend and a passionate journalist. He represented the best ideals of our profession, and was an example for many coming into the business.

Sheryl Worsley

November 22, 2021

I was devastated to learn of Jim's passing. Jim made learning about journalism a pleasure. I looked forward to class and the rain of pep-o-mints all semester long. It was my honor to later work with Jim on the board of directors at the Utah Headliners chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Jim was passionate about his work, about teaching and about protecting journalism. This is a tremendous loss. I will miss him. -Sheryl Worsley

Mike Terry

November 21, 2021

Jim was an inspiration and energy that meant a lot to me as a young photographer. One of many lessons I won't forget from him was to avoid 'finger pointing' photos, in other words photos of people who might look different or disadvantaged captured simply for a quick reaction. Going in deeper and being a better human would result in a better photograph. I wasn't a very good student and Jim pushed me through to actually finish the degree. My thoughts and sympathies to your family.

Jon & Brenda Gulliver

November 20, 2021

Jim was a great friend to our family. We not only thought of Jim as a renaissance man, but as a colorful person. We have many fond memories with Jim and Janet over the last two plus decades. Our hearts are with Janet, Claire & James.

Kristina McAfee

November 19, 2021

From the first day I met Jim I immediately felt like I was family! His sense of humor always had me laughing and his passion for life was a perfect example of how to love life regardless of what life presented to you. Our service at the Utah Food Bank was always something to look forward to with Jim and Janet! He will be missed.
My condolences to you Janet, Claire, James and families. Much love in the days, weeks and months ahead. Kristina McAfee

Jeanie Gates

November 18, 2021

Oh how we loved it when Jim came in to visit us at the dental office! He always had great stories, jokes and never complained! Sometimes I wasn't sure whether he was joking or serious and I'd have to tell him to "knock it off". He will be greatly missed by all.

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