I had the privilege of being included in Jim's extended  family. I married is daughter Marty in 1967 in Ramstein AFB, Germany.  Jim was serving at Sembach AFB, Germany  which was only 15 miles away via autobahn. Quick story to share - I was flying the RF4-C Reconnaissance aircraft which had a front seat and a back seat.  Jim was qualified as a helicopter pilot so he could fly in the back seat.  After some required  training, Jim and I were able to fly a normal reconnaissance mission through Germany and Holland.  We also had the opportunity to do aerial refueling.  What Jim did not know was the refueling port on the RF4-C was immediately behind the rear cockpit.  When pulling up to refuel behind the tanker aircraft, the "probe" from the refueling tanker extends into that port.  Jim thought for sure the probe was going to collide with the rear cockpit and shouted as such.  I reassured him that the port was just immediately behind his cockpit and that all was well.  After refueling, we did about 45 minutes of low level reconnaissance at 500 feet and 540 knots.  Since Jim was a fighter pilot earlier in his career, he thoroughly enjoyed this part of the mission and in fact flew part of the mission.  After finishing the low level mission, we climbed to altitude to return to Ramstein.   He flew the aircraft all the way back til landing.  He had never been supersonic so he made sure to ask if he could do that on the way home - - which we did.  After parking the aircraft , he had the widest grin on his face I had ever seen.  We both packed our gear away and went to the "O Club" to rehash the flight.  What a great day.

I am so sad to have lost his friendship.  I had the opportunity to visit with him in San Antonio in early March (Pre Covid-19) and I will treasure that memory.  What a great guy and now he has taken his final flight.  Keep your wings level my friend. . . . 

Love You
Jerry

In the 1990s I met Marty Fetzer Musselman. She invited me to the Fetzer home for a holiday meal. Jim and Shirley were very welcoming  and went on to include me in many family events over the years. Will always remember their kindness and thoughtfulness. 
Condolences to Doug, Marty, and all the Fetzer family for the now loss of Jim. He was a true gentleman. 

Thank you for being a great dad to me and my sister.  I will miss 
 seeing  your smile, our conversations, your gentle laugh, your love of family  and many great memories you would share.


Heaven has gained an angel, Jim Fetzer. 
May you be reunited with your loved ones and Rest In Peace. 
His memory will carry on through our lives. 

Howard Fetzer brother,  I was the youngest of 10.   4 sisters and 5 brothers. James was finishing high school when I was 3 years old.  All of the brothers served our countries needs at that time, except Charles who wanted to but was rejected because of flat feet so I'm told.  James was gone training in the air force so my memories of Jim were few as i was growing up. One memory I do have is later in his service life Jim had gotten out and was attempting to do some farming outside of ladora Iowa.  Farming was not to be as Jim went back to serve.  I am very proud of my brother and all of his accomplishments.  A family man, a business man and a true patriot. Rest in peace brother. 


Jim Fetzer was the epitome of a gentleman.  When I first joined the Lions
I was immediately impressed by his cordiality and dedication to the
Central Park Club.  Listening to him talk about his Air Force experiences
was always intriguing.   Jim was a good man who contributed much to
his country, and to his Lions Club.

Met Jim and his wife Shirley circa 1987 as Hunters Creek Subdivision Neighbors.  Shirley and my wife Sissy were very active in the Methodist Hospital Blue Bird Auxiliary. Jim was a very active person tending to his Midas auto repair business well into mid to late 80’s. But what I remember most was Jim walking his pair of pretty white Bichon Frise  dogs around the neighborhood and always wearing booties to protect their feet. A dog lover, a humanitarian, a  patriot and true gentleman in every aspect of his life.  
Rest In Peace Jim.  
Jack & Sissy  Kepler

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James Jonathan Fetzer

2 décembre 1924 – 8 mai 2020

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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