Search by Name

Search by Name

James Howard "Jim" FitzHenry

1953 - 2015

James Howard "Jim" FitzHenry obituary, 1953-2015, Indio, CA

BORN

1953

DIED

2015

James FitzHenry Obituary

James Howard "Jim" FitzHenry died April 22, 2015 in Indio, Calif. He was born on August 29, 1953, to Norman and Evelyn FitzHenry, both of whom predeceased him. He was born and raised in Indio and was elected to the City Council in the 1980s, rising to become the city's mayor in 1989, as well as being past president of the C.V. Lions Club. Jim FitzHenry graduated from Indio High School in 1971 and the California College of Mortuary Science in 1972, subsequently joining the family business, FitzHenry Funeral Home. In this capacity, Jim served many Coachella Valley families for most of his life. Jim is the brother of Jon, Joanne and Jeff and father of Norman, Langston, Shelly and Amanda. He was the proud grandfather to Javian, Brielle, Brynn, Sienna, Kaliya and Arizona, and daughter Amanda is pregnant with her fourth child. Graveside services are planned for 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 27 at Coachella Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a local charity of your choice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries

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

Published by The Desert Sun from Apr. 25 to Apr. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James FitzHenry

Not sure what to say?





Slade Dean

April 16, 2023

Jim was like having a second father. I think I probably spent more time with him then I did with my dad growing up. He was family to me for sure. Jim... I hope you are keeping your boys in check! I sure do miss everybody

Elizabeth Anne Hin

April 19, 2020

19 April 2020. I found myself aware of Jim FitzHenry in deep sentiment and gratitude these recent weeks, and then received an Email commenting the fifth anniversary of his passing from us here in Earth. My Family loved~love Jim, a man whom I was privileged to know for several decades in three ways~ through his Family and Friends~ through his great service as a caretaker of individuals and Families at the time of death and care of the deceased and their loved ones and communities~ and through his role as a leader of his Desert communities on City Council and as Mayor. My and my Family's lives are profoundly, notably, mercifully, kindly, truly better because of Jim. I remember very often to be a better human being because of his alignment in the Heavens beside me, beside us all. Rest in peace, precious soul.

Norman n' Gayle Cady

September 14, 2015

Much love and many prayers to Jim's family. He was a wonderful man, and always there showing kindness and compassion for thousands of grieving families. He will be sorely missed.

Linda Dixon

May 5, 2015

I am so sad about his passing he was a nice guy whom always had a smile when he came to the Carlotta to visit his mom prayers to his family

Catherine Linn

May 3, 2015

May you rest in peace, Jim. You were one good person. Condolences to your entire family.

Frank Vega

May 1, 2015

Sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He along with his family were of great service to many in the community. He served my family and church with dignity and honor. Joe and I were classmates in jr and high school.

Kathy Garcia-Hunter

May 1, 2015

The Garcia family is so sorry to hear the loss of Jim. Our thoughts and prayers to the Fitzhenry family.

Sharron & Sonny Kanlian

April 30, 2015

FitzHenry Family
So very sorry to learn of Jim's passing. The family has been such a kind and caring assistance to so many in the community in their time of need. They were there for us for our losses. Jim was compassionate, kind, respectful and so helpful. He was a quiet fellow with a twinkle in his eye. When not at work, he was a fellow with a great sense of humor. He will be missed. Our hearfelt condolences to all the family and his children and grandchildren.

David Slawson

April 30, 2015

Jim was well liked by everyone from his high school years and throughout his life. He and all of the Fitzhenry family will always be remembered fondly by so many for the love and kindness they showed to so many others.

April 30, 2015

Kind thoughts for all of Fitzhenry family. Thank you for your kindness to MY parents at their time of death. Fondly, Carol Burton Tanner

Carol Tanner

April 30, 2015

My deepest sympathies to the Fitzhenry family. He left too soon.

Becky Schlegel Brewer

April 28, 2015

My condolences to the Fitzhenry Family. Jim will always be remembered as a loving and caring human being. He will be missed and may all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.

Stacy Maddux

April 28, 2015

Jim's calling to serve the community as council member and as a funeral director demonstrate how many lives one person can impact. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us and please be kind to yourselves in the coming months.

Rhonda Taylor

April 28, 2015

Arvie Mills Family

April 28, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with the the Fitzhenry family. You were there at our time of need and a good friend. Arvie Mills Family

Judy Vossler

April 28, 2015

Our family was saddened to hear about Jim's passing. He was a dear friend and will be missed greatly. Jim helped us through some very tough losses. Judy Vossler and Family

Barbara Woods

April 28, 2015

To Jim's family,
He was such an inspiration at the City of Indio while on the Council. May God wrap his arms around your family and give them the comfort they need at this time. You will truly be missed. Your friends Barbara Woods & Regenia Hensley.

April 28, 2015

My sympathy to the family. Keeping in mind the scriptural hope of everlasting life can help sustain you. John 17:3

Grace Barron

April 27, 2015

Jimmy was a great man. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. He will not be forgotten that's for sure. And all my prayers and condolences go out to his family.

Ken Phillips

April 27, 2015

Dear Jim, Jeff, Jo and Jon-
A flood of wonderful childhood memories came back to me this morning as I attended the committal ceremony for you Jim. All the great times our families shared as we grew up in Indio. Learning how to drive a stick shift in the parking lot, bike riding to Clancy Lane, making a haunted house in the garage and so, so many other things the boys of summer conjured up (some things we will all have to take to the other side). Of course, Jim was usually the main conspirator in the escapades between Jim, Jeff and me. Those memories are so plentiful and fresh they will not be forgotten in this lifetime. Thank you for being friends.

Elizabeth Anne HIn

April 27, 2015

Our deepest regards, prayers and compassion to your precious family. You are a soul and man of honor, profound sensitivity, comfort, integrity, dry humor and class. May you rest in the deep peace of the Heavens about which you were deeply curious, in which you had faith and seeking, and in the eternal love of God in all of His names and ways~ a part of which you sparked in all who have known and loved you. Always, Beth Elizabeth Anne Hin and Family.

Craig Glass

April 27, 2015

Hey Jim you told me you were going to tell me when you were leaving! I met the Fitzhenry family in 1967 and Jim and Mary spent a few days of their Honeymoon at my rented condo in San Diego. It seems like yesterday. You will be missed Jim!

April 27, 2015

Our family is shocked to hear of Jims sudden passing. He was a good human being and will be missed by all of us. Sincerely, David,Martha,Eric,and Lillian Weaver

Carol Brockman Castro

April 27, 2015

What a beautiful tribute to Jim this morning. Odd that he was not standing among us, giving us his comfort as he has over the years with so many of us who've lost loved ones. You are missed and will never be forgotten.

Jim Miller

April 27, 2015

Not only were you a classmate, you were a great guy. Prayers to your family

Randall White

April 27, 2015

To all of the Fitzhenry clan and those many friends who mourn your loss, take heart. Jim is now teasing someone else in heavenly grace. All is forgiven, love and the good times are remembered, peace forevermore. We will miss you, my friend.

Cindy Anderson

April 27, 2015

I feel so sad . Jimmy was an amazing , sweet , fun, great man.
Heart of gold ... The class of '71 will miss him deeply ... Many of us gathered this last Saturday for our yearly 'Pinion Party ' and I was so looking forward to seeing Jimmy .... When we heard the news our hearts dropped .... We will always love you !! Miss you .... All love to his family and friends..... Cindy Anderson

April 27, 2015

My deepest sympathy and heart is with
Jim's family. He was so helpful and kind.
Elizabeth Cody

Dave Petreson-CV Lions Club

April 27, 2015

To all of the Family, I was so shocked to hear of Jim's passing.I was a fellow Lion, and Jim and I were on the serving line for many of the Lions Club breakfasts, along with sister Joanne. I will miss his sense of humor as he always had me laughing. God keep watch ove you now my friend

Pam & Keith Crabtree

April 27, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to your family. Jim was one of a kind and helped me and my family during our most difficult times.

Lori//Lorraine Lyman

April 26, 2015

What a great person he was. So kind and caring. He was my long time friend from when I worked at Palm springs Mortuary. He went to school with my best friend, Abba Benson's son.
My heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends. He was everyone's friend.
Lori (Ryan) Lyman

John Miller

April 26, 2015

All my prayers go out to all Jim's family he was a very nice person to everyone he met.

Lennie Weisman

April 26, 2015

Our thoughts are with the FitzHenry family. We have known the family since the early 60's.
The Weisman Family

Elfrieda Hall

April 26, 2015

Jim's years of service to the City of Indio as a Councilman and Mayor was outstanding, he was dedicated to his responsibilities and to the people of Indio, he gave it his all. You could say he left Indio a better place to be. My heartfelt sympathy to his family during this difficult time.

Tony Valencia & family

April 26, 2015

Condolences to the Fitzhenry family at this difficult time

Jack Sloan

April 26, 2015

To My FitzHenry Family,

I have been a part of your family for over 35 yrs. as an employee. I have cherished those years. Receiving that phone call Wednesday Morning took me to the ground. I am praying for all of
my family. My God Comfort You All At This Time. All my LOVE.
Jack Sloan-FitzHenry-Wiefels Indio and Palm Desert

Jack Duran

April 25, 2015

My condolences to the Fitzhenry family, may God give u comfort during these times.

April 25, 2015

Our Deepest Condolences to the Fitzhenry Family.
Fred Avila & Teresa Rivera

Polo Valencia

April 25, 2015

Our condolences to the FitzHenry Family during this difficult time.

Polo & Dora Valencia

April 25, 2015

Joanne so sorry about the loss of your brother.
Stephen and Diana Fry

Michael Dearth

April 25, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Fitzhenry family. Jim was such a great guy and will be missed by many. Rest peacefully, dear Jim.

Janet Matkin & Donna Rogers Aladdins Florist

April 25, 2015

Jim you always made us laugh. You'd lay in wait for us when we were delivering flowers. You'd tell us some story that was absolutely untrue, and we'd fall for it every time. You were a good friend and good person. You will be missed.

April 25, 2015

Thoughts and prayers are with you Jim and your family. RIP. Carla Munoz Rancho Mirage, Calif

Lucy Diaz

April 25, 2015

my condolence to the Whole Fitzhenry families. Jim will be greatly missed as was his father Norman

Alan Marietta

April 25, 2015

I will always remember the name Fitzhenry as I do respect, honor, service, dignity, compassion, and trust. Thoughts and Prayers to Jim's Family and Friends. Jim was a senior when I was a Freshman at IHS, but he treated me like his equal. Gone way too fast, rest in peace. You were an amazing man, and an inspiration for many to follow.

Guy & Suzanne Kestell

April 24, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers for the entire FitzHenry family.

Cheryle White

April 24, 2015

Thoughts and prayers to the Fitzhenry family, Jim was a wonderful guy and will be greatly missed.

Cathy (Jarvis) Hickey

April 24, 2015

my heartfelt condolences to the Fitzhenry family, Jim was a dear, kind man who will be sorely missed by all that had the pleasure to know him.

Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results

Make a Donation
in James FitzHenry's name

Memorial Events
for James FitzHenry

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James FitzHenry's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more