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JAMES FITCH Obituary
McAllen: James Forrest Fitch, longtime Valley physician, passed away Wednesday October 6, 2011 in McAllen. He was born February 12, 1926 in Central Texas and moved as a child with his family to San Juan.
He practiced Family Medicine in McAllen for 50 years and was the founding chairman of the Board of Residency Program in McAllen. He also served as associate clinical professor of family practice at the San Antonio University of Texas Health Science Center, in McAllen.
Following his graduation from Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Fitch served in the Navy as a doctor in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement as a medical officer. Following his discharge from the service he and his family located in McAllen.
He was Chairman of the Board, Border Capital Bank, formerly operating as McAllen National Bank and Alamo Bank of Texas; a member of McAllen ISD Board of Trustees; served as Chief of Staff at both Rio Grande Regional Hospital and McAllen Medical Center; and was an active member of the Texas Medical Association and Texas Medical Foundation.
Dr. Fitch was awarded "Humanitarian of the Year" by the Easter Seal Society in 1996 and McAllen Chamber of Commerce "Man of the Year" in 1988. He was a long time member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marion; one son, Timothy and wife Debbie of Beeville; two daughters, Cindy Alvarez and husband Freddy of College Station; Katy Marshall and husband Mike of Houston; one daughter-in-law Debbie Smith of Marble Falls. Also, eleven grandchildren Justin and Phillip Fitch, Heather Smith, Melissa Frase, Misty Davis, Kasey Syphrett and Mason Fitch, Harrison and Cameron Balog, Benjamin and Travis Marshall. Three great-grandchildren also survive him; Taylor and Madison Smith and Noah Davis.
He was preceded in death by his parents Troy and Ethel Fitch; a sister, Nell Rose Fitch and one son, Jeffrey.
Memorial services will be today, Friday, at 1:30 p. m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 301 W. Pecan Avenue with Revs. William Smale and Jean Ann Karm officiating. Kreidler Funeral Home is in charge of services.
In lieu of flowers, friends may give to a charity of their choice. Kreidlerfuneralhome.com
Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries
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Memories and Condolences
for JAMES FITCH
benita flores-adame
October 10, 2011
Dr. fitch our family will miss you, you delivered all of us,and was our family Dr. thank you. the flores family
Linda Sue King
October 10, 2011
Dr. Fitch, we are all better and healthier people having had you in our lives. Love to your family
Gwen Ford Bryan & Esther Ford
October 9, 2011
I will miss you, you took care of me while I was growing up, delivered my baby, and took care of her. My mother will miss you, also.
Joyce Johnson Morrin
October 7, 2011
As a high school classmate (and former neighbor) of Forrest and Marion I can only say the news saddened me deeply. He'll always be remembered as one of the nicest of men...and I know his family will miss him dearly...as will we all.
Jaime Herrera A.K.A. Sumu
October 7, 2011
Doc, what can I say, you're like a Grandfather to me and I thank you for everything you've done for my family and I. I love you, and I know we'll see each other again someday, In Jesus Name, your Spirit still lives on.
Hidalgo-Starr Counties Medical Society
October 7, 2011
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Dr. Fitch.
October 7, 2011
My deepest condolences to the family.
Fr. James "Jim" Pfeifer
Asst. Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Mission, Texas
Gloria Ibanez PA-C
October 7, 2011
It was with pride to have worked for Dr. Fitch at Family Medical Center. He will be missed.
Gloria Ibanez, PA-C
ROEL CASTRO
October 7, 2011
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, DR FITCH
DELIVERED ME BACK IN MAY, 19, 1959 AT MCALLEN GERNERAL HOSPITAL ON MAIN ST IN MCALLEN, TX.
I REMEMBER MY MOM TALKING VERY HIGHLY ABOUT DR FITCH... MAY GOD BLESS ALL THE FAMILY...
MCALLEN TX.
ROEL CASTRO
Vanessa, Alyrah and AJ Garcia
October 7, 2011
Dr. Fitch, words can not express how sad we all are right now... U were and always will be a great man!! And even though it will not be the same without u, our good Lord had different plans for u dr... we love u very very much.. Thank u for always being so great to my family...
October 7, 2011
Our sympathy for your loss, and our confidence of Forrest's promotion to "Absent from the body and face to face with the Lord" - George & Carolyn Etz
Dennis & Gladys Trom
October 7, 2011
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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