Colonel James M. Fitzsimmons, USAF, Ret., was peacefully called home by The Lord in the early morning hours of January 29, 2024 in Tucson.

"Jim" was born May 13, 1932 in Bath, New York and grew up in Rochester, New York. A devout Catholic, he graduated from Aquinas Institute high school and the University of Rochester, where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation he joined the United States Air Force, embarking on a 28-year career as a fighter pilot, beginning with flight training in Marana, AZ and ending with teaching Air Force ROTC at the University of Arizona. He flew several different aircraft, including the T-33, T-38, and F-4 Phantom, and he also served as a flight instructor. During his career he served overseas in Vietnam during the war, and in Korea three different times. After retiring he taught high school ROTC at Ramstein AFB in Germany for five years. He stayed active working with Habitat for Humanity, the Foothills Forum, Daedalions, Knights of Columbus, and singing barber shop quartet.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joan, sons Kevin (Kathy), Tim (Michelle), & Chris, grandchildren Michael, Patrick, Daniel & Ashley, and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Philip & Anne Fitzsimmons, sister Mary Ellen Cammeyer, and brother Philip Fitzsimmons.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, February 16, 10:00 AM at Immaculate Heart Novitiate chapel, 3820 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. followed by a reception. Interment among his fellow veterans will take place Tuesday, February 27th, 12:00 noon at the Marana Veterans Cemetery, 15950 N. Luckett Rd. Memorial donations to Habitat for Humanity or to Immaculate Heart Novitiate may be made in lieu of flowers.

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

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Fitzsimmons

13 Entries

Carole Keuper

May 4, 2025

My deepest sympathy to you Joan and the family. Jim is with the Lord and with his friend, Philip
Carole Keuper

Lt. Col. Rich and Nancy Bohman

January 30, 2025

We met Jim and Joan in the fall of 1970 at Homestead AFB, our first assignment as a married couple with Jim as Rich´s flight commander. I still remember my husband complaining that the flight had to build a ping pong table when they weren´t flying, not realizing that in this too there were lessons taught. We became life long friends with them both visiting in Florida and Arizona. As Jim often said, "God Bless."

Charles Barney

January 19, 2025

Thank you Colonel Fitz for your tremendous leadership! You inspired many in AFROTC. Your positive example changed my life for the better. I admired your courage as F4 Gunfighter, and your interest in my potential has been remembered many times.
Charles Barney U of A AFROTC 1974

Larry Foreman

August 7, 2024

Not to blow my horn but Col Fitzsimmons took a chance on me as the incumbent UofA AFROTC Commander. Listened to all my ideas. Helped establish a fair and equitable promotion system for cadets. He was a natural at teaching you things and making you feel it was your idea. A true leader. God Speed. In The Name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Amen
Larry Foreman class of 75

E. Kervina AFJROTC GR-821

July 18, 2024

Thank you for your leadership and mentorship, sir. I listened when you talked to me about not taking advantage of my potential. It didn't happen right away, but it stuck with me, and you changed my life.

Lt Col Mark Tucker, UA 1976

June 24, 2024

I have fond memories of "Fitz" coming into the AFROTC break room at the University of Arizona while I was a cadet. He liked to play ping pong and he would always try to urge current players to end their game so he could play. Almost before he was in the room his standard remark, uttered quite loudly, was "20 to what?" On a more serious note, he also mentored me to make the Air Force a career, which I did. He just couldn't understand why I became a helicopter pilot.

David J. Smith, U of A AFROTC '75

February 25, 2024

An entire generation of Air Force officers was inspired by Colonel Fitz. We owe him so much. A great leader, great man and great American.

Vince Vatican

February 19, 2024

Thank you for your service sir.

Karl and Dale Ann Petersen

Planted Trees

Rod Zastrow (U of Arizona AFROTC Class of 1984)

February 12, 2024

One of the greatest of Americans and Airmen to have lived a life in service to his nation, his AFROTC cadets (future officers), his JROTC cadets, his community and his family. He was an ideal role model and leader/mentor. While we mourn his loss and will miss his familiar good-humored laugh, I/we are so lucky to have had him in our lives.

Barbara Sieverts

February 9, 2024

Sending my thoughts and prayers to dear Joanie and boys during this sad time. Our friendship began seventy-five years ago. I will cherish all the memories over the years. R.I.P. Jimmy. Love, Barbara Sieverts

Aquinas Alumni Office

February 8, 2024

God Bless our Aquinas Brother.

Ken Schanke

February 6, 2024

I forwarded the obit to the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, who will publish it on our RATNET DIGEST, and in our quarterly Mig Sweep publication to let Jim's friends know of his passing.

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