It is with great sadness that the family of James Woodrow Fitzsimmons, Jr. announces his death on May 29, 2026. Jim was born to James and Gisela Fitzsimmons on December 22, 1948 in Tuscola, Illinois. Jim is survived by his spouse Lorie Fitzsimmons, his brothers Erhard (Cheri) Fitzsimmons of Colorado Springs and John Fitzsimmons of McAllen, TX, and his nieces Katie (Bilal) Karaze and Kelsey (Bob) Clarke of Denver, CO. Lorie’s family loved Jim and appreciated his warmth, sense of humor and quick smile.

Jim lived a spirited, joyful life. After graduating with degrees from the University of Colorado and the University of Sussex in England, Jim traveled extensively to different regions of the world as a single man and eventually with his wife Lorie. In his early years, Jim spent two years in Fiji in the Peace Corps, as well as two years in China teaching English and Topography, and a year in Micronesia. He showed great interest in learning when meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. After his time living overseas, Jim had a productive career as a Statistician working for the Federal Government.

Jim was a passionate hiker and pickleball player. He was a member of the Wanderbirds Hiking Club for several decades, where he met his wife Lorie. Jim claimed they met when Lorie was chasing him on a trail in Shenandoah Valley (true). He valued all of the wonderful friendships that he made in the hiking club and enjoyed the many cabin and camping trips taken with friends. In later years, Jim discovered the joy of pickleball. He loved playing and enjoyed all of the friends that he made who shared his love of the sport.

Jim will be buried in Cool Spring Natural Cemetery in the Shenandoah Valley in Berryville, VA.