3
trees
planted in memory of Jim Fitzsimons
Obituary for Jim Fitzsimons
James Robert Fitzsimons, Jr.
December 27, 1949 – May 27, 2021
Jim took flight to be with Jesus at the age of 71 on the morning of May 27th. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, but spent the last 28 years in the home that he and his wife built in Winter Springs, Florida.
Jim was raised with an older sister, Kathy Kelly, and 3 younger sisters, Maureen Hansen, Patti Fitzsimons-Escarraz and Mary Jo Ansel. After graduating from the University of Florida, he moved to Miami, Florida. Jim worked in Venture Capital at Southeast Bank and eventually became interested in commercial real estate.
In 1979, Jim married the love of his life, Malissa Norris. They were married for almost 42 years and have six children, Darby McRae, Jimmy Fitzsimons, Richard Fitzsimons, Daniel Fitzsimons, Shannon Fitzsimons and Sean Fitzsimons. Jim was an Amazing Devoted Husband and Father. To the two youngest children, he would laughingly refer to himself as a “COD” (Considerably Older Dad). Jim also has four delightful grandchildren, Sagan McRae, Navy James McRae, Dennie Fitzsimons and Sullivan Fitzsimons. He adored them and they called him “Papa Jim.”
Most Sundays you would find Jim grilling chicken outside for “Sunday Family Dinners.” He would always have a smile on his face. Jim was a hardworking man who loved being with his wife and children. He was an avid reader and enjoyed history books, Presidential books, listening to jazz music and classic rock. Jim’s favorite place to go was Wawa for coffee. Most mornings he could be found walking the neighborhoods for 6am exercise.
Favorite vacations were spent in North Carolina at Bear Lake Reserve at our favorite cottage. All the kids were always welcome to visit for the week for boating, hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, and food at the Clubhouse on Bear Lake.
Jim found peace in the silence of his own time. He also did lots of projects for Malissa and all the kids. Shannon and Dad loved spending time at Disney together. Jim also enjoyed kayaking with Daniel, Jimmy, Richard and Sean. He would frequently make fun of Malissa for watching Hallmark or romance movies on TV, but would usually sit with her anyway eating ice cream or chocolate pudding.
His office held the family’s treasured Shillelagh (walking stick) that his ancestors brought from Ireland.
Jim was just the most Amazing Husband and Father. He was a humble but brilliant man with a great memory for detail and directions. He had a strong faith in God and loved his country. All were blessed who called him “friend!”
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December 27, 1949 – May 27, 2021
Jim took flight to be with Jesus at the age of 71 on the morning of May 27th. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, but spent the last 28 years in the home that he and his wife built in Winter Springs, Florida.
Jim was raised with an older sister, Kathy Kelly, and 3 younger sisters, Maureen Hansen, Patti Fitzsimons-Escarraz and Mary Jo Ansel. After graduating from the University of Florida, he moved to Miami, Florida. Jim worked in Venture Capital at Southeast Bank and eventually became interested in commercial real estate.
In 1979, Jim married the love of his life, Malissa Norris. They were married for almost 42 years and have six children, Darby McRae, Jimmy Fitzsimons, Richard Fitzsimons, Daniel Fitzsimons, Shannon Fitzsimons and Sean Fitzsimons. Jim was an Amazing Devoted Husband and Father. To the two youngest children, he would laughingly refer to himself as a “COD” (Considerably Older Dad). Jim also has four delightful grandchildren, Sagan McRae, Navy James McRae, Dennie Fitzsimons and Sullivan Fitzsimons. He adored them and they called him “Papa Jim.”
Most Sundays you would find Jim grilling chicken outside for “Sunday Family Dinners.” He would always have a smile on his face. Jim was a hardworking man who loved being with his wife and children. He was an avid reader and enjoyed history books, Presidential books, listening to jazz music and classic rock. Jim’s favorite place to go was Wawa for coffee. Most mornings he could be found walking the neighborhoods for 6am exercise.
Favorite vacations were spent in North Carolina at Bear Lake Reserve at our favorite cottage. All the kids were always welcome to visit for the week for boating, hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, and food at the Clubhouse on Bear Lake.
Jim found peace in the silence of his own time. He also did lots of projects for Malissa and all the kids. Shannon and Dad loved spending time at Disney together. Jim also enjoyed kayaking with Daniel, Jimmy, Richard and Sean. He would frequently make fun of Malissa for watching Hallmark or romance movies on TV, but would usually sit with her anyway eating ice cream or chocolate pudding.
His office held the family’s treasured Shillelagh (walking stick) that his ancestors brought from Ireland.
Jim was just the most Amazing Husband and Father. He was a humble but brilliant man with a great memory for detail and directions. He had a strong faith in God and loved his country. All were blessed who called him “friend!”
To plant a tree in memory of Jim Fitzsimons, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Funeral
Saturday
5
Jun
2:00 PM
Banfield Funeral Home & Crematory
420 W. State Road 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Cemetery Details
Location
All Faiths Memorial Park
1390 Park Drive
Casselberry, FL 32707
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