Obituary of James B. Fitzsimmons

Passed away October 10, 2023 at the age of 86. Predeceased by his parents and his brother Robert Fitzsimmons. Survived by his adoring wife of 64 years, Mary Ann Fitzsimmons; daughters, Carol Fitzsimmons (Jim Sauer), Patricia Fitzsimmons; son, John Fitzsimmons (Jackie); grandchildren, Jillian, Ryan, Meghan, Ava, Emma, Lindsay, Nikole, Derek, Kyle, Jared and Colin; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Nora and Ethan; sister, Virginia Joels, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim was born on January 4, 1937 and grew up in Black River, NY. He excelled in football and basketball at Black River High School, and attended Albany State Teachers College where he met the love of his life, Mary Ann. They were married on August 22, 1959. While at Albany State, he decided to change course and pursue a career in law, enrolling in Albany Law School and receiving his J.D. degree in 1960. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and rose from a private to the rank of First Lieutenant, serving as a reservist in the 98th Division and member of the Judge Advocate General's Corps until 1968.

Jim and Mary Ann settled in Mary Ann's hometown of Churchville, NY in 1960, where they lived for 54 years and raised their three children. Jim started his law practice and was also appointed as attorney for the Village of Churchville, a position he held for 51 years, serving under several mayors. He became the senior and managing partner in the law firm now known as Fitzsimmons, Nunn & Plukas, LLP where he enjoyed practicing law with his son John and his partners. Jim loved the collegiality of the legal profession in Rochester, becoming close friends with several attorneys and numerous clients, many of whom became Jim and Mary Ann's dining and traveling companions. He was a well-respected and well-liked attorney, as well as a mentor and role model to many. He was a long time parishioner of St. Vincent DePaul Roman Catholic Church, where he served as a President of the Parish Council. He also served as Chair of the Nazareth College Parent's Association. Jim enjoyed traveling, dining out, fishing and hunting, reading, skiing, plowing his garden with his Farmall Cub tractor, football, cocktail hour with Mary Ann, spending time at the family cottage on Honeoye Lake, and later vacationing with his extended family in Bethany Beach, Delaware. But most of all, his greatest joy was simply gathering with his family to eat and drink, tell stories, and laugh. He will be greatly missed.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 20th 5-7 p.m at Walker Brothers Funeral Home (21 S. Main St. Churchville, 14428) Funeral mass will be on Saturday, October 21st at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent DePaul Church, Churchville, followed by burial at St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery in Churchville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, www.rrhgive.org/giving (Select "Hospice Care Hildebrandt Campus Fund").