James Fitzgerald was born on August 22, 1933 in Inverness, Mississippi to the late George and Mae Fitzgerald. James is predeceased by his sons, Jimmy Fitzgerald, Jr. and Andrew E. Fitzgerald, and grandson, Andrew J. Fitzgerald.
James entered the United States Navy in 1951 and retired in 1974 as Lieutenant Commander after 23 years of service. He and his wife, the former Jean Pittman, settled and raised their family near the Little Creek Naval Base in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
After his military career, James owned and operated Fitzgerald Welding and retired after 30 years. James and Jean moved to their retirement home on Lake Gaston, North Carolina, where they enjoyed many years together.
James is survived by his loving wife, Jean Pittman Fitzgerald; his daughters-in-law, Kathy Fitzgerald of Clearbrook, VA and Laura Fitzgerald of Chesapeake, VA; two grandchildren, Jessica and Christopher; and five great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 12:30 pm. Burial will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park.
