James A. "Jim" Fitzgerald, 85, of Leo, Indiana, passed on Thursday, November 12, 2026. He was born on October 14, 1941, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a son of the late Arthur and Elsie (Dornboss) Fitzgerald. He attended and graduated from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. He worked for Stryker Industry Supplies and North American Van Line. In his free time, he enjoyed being outside, yard work, Sunday family get togethers in their backyard, flowers (especially sunflowers), taking his dogs on hikes in the woods, and spending time with his kids, grandkids, and friends. Surviving family include his children, Jim M. (Deb) Fitzgerald, Jeff (Suzanne) Fitzgerald, and Jodi (Dragan) Jovevski; grandchildren, Zach (Ashley) Fitzgerald, Nick Flint, Taylor (Brie) Fitzgerald, Josh (Claire) Jovevski, Jordyn (fiance, Trenton Stoner) Fitzgerald, Brendan Fitzgerald, and Olivia (Julian) Zylfiu; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Eleanor Fitzgerald, and a great grandson on the way; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in passing by his wife, Judith L. "Judi" Fitzgerald; granddaughter, Emily Jovevski; and sister, Marilyn Purcell. A celebration of life gathering will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Jim will be laid to rest alongside Judi at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Cedars Retirement Community in Leo, to be used to purchase a bench by the pond that Jim so loved to sit next to. Condolences and memories of Jim can be left online at www.hockemeyermillerfh.com
