Dr. James Harold Fisher

Dr. James Harold Fisher, age 97 passed away in his sleep in DeWitt, Michigan, December 20, 2016, following complications from a stroke. He was born in Mayfield, Kentucky on November 8, 1919 to Clyde and Lillian Fisher. He entered R.O.T.C. in 1934 at Lakeview High School, and continued in R.O.T.C. at the University of Illinois, rising to the rank of Cadet Colonel. His name appears on a plaque at the armory in Urbana-Champagne. He met Anne Brown while working at the library in college and they were married June 5, 1943. He graduated 2 days later with an A.B. in History. Upon graduating, he was called to active military duty. He attended Officers Candidate School, graduating as a first Lieutenant, and sailed for Europe on the Ile de France. In August 1944, he participated as part of the 9th Division, 39th Regiment in the Normandy Invasion landing. Next, he fought in the “Battle of the Hedgerows”, was present at the liberation of Paris, and spent a winter in a fox hole in Germany fighting in the Hurtgen Forest. This fighting has been named the “worst of all battles” according to many veterans of the Division. He returned from war, September 1945, served as a Captain in the Army Reserve, and reentered the University of Illinois, completing a B.S., and M.S. and a Ph.D. in Geology (1949). He subsequently taught Geology at the Universities of Illinois and Nebraska, and Michigan State University. He became a full professor at MSU in 1970, retiring in 1984. In summers and in retirement he worked as a Geological Consultant to many different oil companies and energy producers. He was very proud of the many students he prepared to enter successful careers in the oil industry. He met Normalee “Kit” Stapler in a social group and they were married on June 12, 1982. His hobbies were reading (primarily WWII history), chess, playing the piano, bridge, and listening to a wide variety of classical music and jazz. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne Brown Fisher; his son, James Michael Fisher; and his half-brother Dave Lafoe. He is survived by his wife, Kit Fisher; son, John Allen Fisher; daughter, Jeannie Fisher Mallick; son-in-law, Brian Mallick; granddaughter, Monica Mallick; and sister-in-law, Bernice Lafoe. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, DeWitt Chapel. No services will be held. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grdewitt.com