James Edward Fitzpatrick

Jim, son of Irish immigrant Jeremiah and his wife Edna, was born in Washington, D.C. May 28, 1938.

As a young man James was in the Army – 82nd Airborne – and served 3 years.

James began his career as a Police Officer with the Prince George County, Maryland Police Department. Within a few years he became a Detective and began rising through the ranks. During this time, he was in college, graduating from American University in Washington D.C. with a degree in Administration of Justice. Because his career path had taken him to the Homicide Squad, he continued his education graduating with a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He rose to the rank of Captain and directed the Training and then the Special Operations Divisions. He retired from the Homicide Division in 1983.

James and his family moved to Cape Coral, Florida where he began to work for the State Attorney’s Office – 20th Circuit - as an Investigator. He worked with the Police and Sheriff’s Departments in the five counties – Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Glades and Hendry. After retiring from this position, he began a teaching career at Edison College – now Southwestern State College. He was an Adjunct Professor teaching Crime Scene Technology.

Through the years, James was recognized for his extensive and thorough police work by being honored to represent his department at the FBI National Academy, graduating with the 118th session. He belonged to the FBINAA in Florida and was President of that organization in 2007.

Jim was a member of the St. Andrew Council of Knights of Columbus, FOP 89 of Maryland, FOP 33 of Cape Coral and the American Legion in Cape Coral.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Connie of Cape Coral, his daughters, Shannon Liem (Charles) of Tallahassee and Kelly Kimsey (Richard) of Tallahassee, three Grandchildren, Sarah Kathleen Liem, Charles James Liem, and Wyatt Brady Kimsey, two sisters, Kathleen Collins of Beltsville, of Maryland, Patricia Graeff of Charlestown West Virginia, and a brother, Edward of Atlanta, Georgia.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, August 11, 2016 at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church 1922 SW 20th Ave. Cape Coral, Florida 33991 beginning at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to FOP 89 Prince George County Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund – PO Box 510 Lothian, MD 20711