LTC. (Ret.) James Francis Fitzgerald, Jr., passed away on March 5, 2019, in Round Rock Texas. He was 87 years old. James was born in Minneapolis Minnesota on Aug 29, 1931 to James Sr. and Irene Fitzgerald the third of four children (Ruby, Patricia, and Denny.) He was sixteen years old when he struck out on his own working two jobs to pay his way through high school and college. He graduated from Edison High School in 1949 and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1954. He was in the ROTC program while at the university and took his commission in the United States Army on September 1, 1954.
He served on active duty for 20 years and fought in the Korean and Vietnam campaigns. While stationed in England in 1956, he met Sheila Margaret Perry, and they married the same year. Sheila became mother to his four children (Eileen, Jim, Russell, and Mike) and was at his side for 60 years until her death in 2017. James served his country proudly and with distinction receiving numerous medals that included the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry to name a few. His strong desire to spend more time with his wife and family prompted James to retire from military service and forgo promotion to full Colonel. Lt. Col. James F. Fitzgerald was honorably discharged from the United States Army on September 4, 1974.
After settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he returned to college and obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado. He then launched a twenty-plus year teaching career that began in Colorado and ended in Texas, where he taught until his retirement in 1996.
James was preceded in death by his loving wife Sheila, his son, Jim (TN), and sisters, Ruby Thoreson and Pat Shipp.
He is survived by his children and their families, daughter, Eileen Morris (Jason, Erich, Heather, and Scott); son, Russell (Rose, Gary, Alex, & Phil); son, Mike (Madison); and his son, Jim III’s children (Aaron and Brandon). He is also survived by his younger brother, Denny (MN) and family and numerous cousins and nephews.
He was a man who excelled in everything he did. He was a hero to his children and served his country well. He was kind and considerate to everyone, tough as nails when he had to be and had a wicked sense of humor until the end. He will be sorely missed.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to Eileen and Gary for the care they provided Dad in his later years. We also wish to thank the staff at St. David’s Hospital (Georgetown) and Cornerstone Rehab Hospital (Round Rock) for their care of our father during his final days. At dad’s request, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial gifts be made in James’ name to the Williamson County Animal Shelter.
