Fitzgerald James Sr.

In the afternoon of July 27, 2015, James Edward Fitzgerald, Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at UVA hospital. He was 67 years old. Born December 22, 1947, James was the eldest child of the late Alec Fitzgerald and the late Lois Darnell. He has 3 brothers and 2 sisters. James Fitzgerald proudly served in Vietnam as a medic for 3 years. He was the recipient of 2 Bronze Stars, 27 Air Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Expert (Rifle), Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal. He was nominated for the Silver Star for which he refused in respect for those who died on May 5, 1968. Known by many as “Doc” or Jim, he touched and motivated many lives of other Vietnam Veterans during his involvement with the Forum of the Association of the 1st Battalion/50th Infantry, www.ichiban1.org and writing his own experiences, www.ichiban1.org/html/stories/story_Jim_Fitzgerald_An_Bao.htm. It meant so much to him to reconnect with other veterans he served with. A very humble man, James was greatly touched when he was repeatedly thanked for the lives he saved during his time in the Army. He never liked to bring attention to himself but James managed to touch many lives during his own. James was an avid outdoors man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, target shooting and golf. He enjoyed the serenity and peacefulness of walking in the woods as the sun rose in the morning or sitting out on the lake fishing as the sun slowly set in its entire glorious splendor. He loved the woods and the mountains. He never wanted to be away from them. He lived in Louisa County, Virginia most of his life and has always had a love and respect for the land he lived off. James had a huge heart when it came to animals, especially dogs he felt most people misunderstood. He frequently rescued Rottweilers, pit bulls and German shepherds from “kill shelters” to either find homes for them or at the very least get them to a “no kill” shelter so they would have the chance to find their forever home. His parents, Alec Fitzgerald and Lois Darnell preceded James in death as well as his first grandchild, Katelyn Crenshaw. James is survived by his three children: Karen Riehle of Phoenix, AZ; Letha Oppman of Oshkosh, WI; and James Fitzgerald, Jr. of Palmyra, VA; and his two grandchildren Nathan and Joshua of Phoenix, AZ and his beloved Rottweiler, Sampson. In accordance to his wishes, James’ ashes will be spread during a small memorial service on Carter's Mountain, Sunday August 2, 2015. A Memorial website will soon be available for those who wish to honor him with a few words or leave condolences.