James (Jim) H. Fitzgerald:

Wolcott: James H. Fitzgerald, 88, of Wolcott died Saturday, August 24th at Copley Hospital in Morrisville following six months of declining health.

James, also known as Jim, was born in March of 1936 to Lieutenant Colonel Edward Fitzgerald and Catherine Fitzgerald. Growing up in a military family, Jim spent many of his early years of school in different parts of the world, including, Germany and France. He graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School in Washington, DC and later the University of Oklahoma.

Jim was a member of the Oklahoma and Maryland National Guard.

In 1967 he married Susanne Direnga. They celebrated 57 years of marriage last February.

He worked for many years as a graphic designer in Washington, DC prior to operating his own business, "Media Graphics, Inc. In Vermont, he was employed by the News and Citizen for many years, and as Sue's resident artist composing their Christmas Card every year.

In 1989, Jim and Sue decided it was time to get out of the "rat race" in Washington, DC. They purchased and relocated to a farm in Vermont. Jim was proud to have been a Vermonter for 35 years. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking care of his farm and his animals.  He also loved fixing up and enjoying his camp and boat on Lake Eden.

Jim was a Cub Scout Troop Leader in Virginia. He was also an amazing soccer coach. He had the privilege of coaching in Virginia and in Vermont.

Survivors include: his wife "Sue Fitz" of 57 years; three incredible sons: Brian and his wife, Wendi, Jeffrey and his wife Tiffany, and Timothy and his wife Hayley, all of whom he was so proud of.

He will be missed by his cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Brooke, August, Amber, Emma and Jameson; Jim also leaves one remaining brother Edward, and his wife Donna, his special sisters and brothers-in-law: Barbara (Bernard), Marlene (John), Verna and Tracey; as well as many nieces, and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his four golden retrievers and especially missed by his big boy dog Clancy.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Lt Colonel Edward Fitzgerald and Catherine M. Fitzgerald; two brothers, Larry and his wife, Ginger and Michael and his former wives Ruth, and Debbie, and an adopted brother, David.

All of us, will miss his great sense of Irish humor and his amazing story telling.

A Celebration of Life to honor Jim will be held in the spring at the farm.

Our family wishes to thank his compassionate caregivers throughout the last six months, Lamoille Home Health & Hospice, Greensboro Nursing Home, Copley Hospital, Erica, Dr. Levine and especially his nurses, Charlie, Dacia, Alexa, Jen and Steve, "he's my man!"

Please consider charitable contributions to: Lamoille Home Health & Hospice, 54 Farr Avenue, Morrisville, Vt. 05661.