On Sunday, December 11, 2022, James (Jim aka Fitz) Robert Fitzsimmons passed away at 74 years young with his Family at his side. Jim was lovingly devoted to all of his Family and to his faith in God, friends and mankind. Jim was born to Katharine and Francis Fitzsimmons and resided in Chicago, Illinois until he moved to Friendship, Wisconsin where he met and married his loving wife, Marie.
Jim was a Deputy Sheriff/Traffic Safety Coordinator/Training Officer with the Adams County Sheriff’s Department until he and his Family decided to “Head West” and begin another chapter of their life of love in Mesa, Arizona. Jim became a Phoenix Police Officer, advancing to Detective until his retirement in 2006. For thirty years, Jim was a dedicated police officer directly credited for saving countless lives.
Jim loved music, fishing, road-trips, food and most of all being with his Family. He was gentle and kind. His smile was infectious and his patience was divine.
Jim is survived by his loving and adored wife, Marie; his most precious son Michael (Susan) Fitzsimmons of Mesa, Arizona; his lovingly devoted daughter Katie Amelia Fitzsimmons (Drew Snowbarger), Mesa, Arizona; loving youngest daughter Jenny and son-in-law Andy Logan, Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Brother George Fitzsimmons, Algonquin, Illinois; Sister Dorothy (Steve) Stroschein of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Brother Edward (Leslie) Fitzsimmons of Sleepy Hollow, Illinois; Brother Robert Fitzsimmons of Mesa, Arizona; Grandchildren, Edward, James, Margaret and Jonathan Fitzsimmons of Mesa, Arizona; Sister-in-law Sue (Les) Roeder of Adams, Wisconsin; Brothers-in-law Roy (Judy Alderman) Bogseth of Friendship, Wisconsin, Walter (Paty) Bogseth of Greenwood, Wisconsin, Robert Bogseth (Laurie Bradford), Adams, Wisconsin, Paul (Cindy) Turner of Minnesota; cousins, nieces/nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Katharine and Francis Fitzsimmons, his sister Margaret Turner, parents-in-law Alice and Harold Bogseth, sisters-in-law Susan Fitzsimmons, Kim Bogseth, Sheri Bogseth, and brother-in-law Merlin Winchester.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1551 E. Dana Avenue, Mesa, Arizona 85204. A family and friend gathering with food and a celebration of Jim will follow the Mass.
A private burial will be conducted at a later date.
A special thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their loving support of our Family. Heaven holds a special place for all who are loved.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I’m so sorry on your loss. May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time
Jim was the best brother-law anyone would want I loved him we had a special bond. Rest in peace
Gone from our sight but never from our hearts. We hope you feel surrounded by much love. We are thinking of you during these difficult times and may our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of your loss. Marie, you and Jim are our special friends as your love brought us together at your wedding day, Valentine’s Day, 1976. Both of us were fortunate to work with Jim in law enforcement. Rest in peace, dear friend …💕
So sad to hear of your loss. Our prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family.
Jim and Marie are a testament to matrimonial love and devotion. May peace be found to loved-ones in fond memories.
Jim was a fabulous person and will be missed dearly by our entire family. God bless you all.
Jim was an incredible guy – his humor will also stay with me. He’ll be so missed. Jen, Katie & Marie we all are thinking and loving you from all around the country. Always love – James & Veronica
He will be missed by one and all. Only person I have encountered who actually wrote their book.
Dear Marie and Family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Jim. You and the family have my deepest sympathies. Jim will always be remembered in my heart for the wonderful man he was, for the love and devotion he showered upon his family and friends, for the dedicated and selfless service he provided to the community, and for the joy, laughter, and fun he brought with him wherever he went. He will surely be missed. I am glad that I was fortunate enough to know him.
I took the liberty of personalizing a poem written by Ellen Brenneman with direct references to Jim. The poem speaks all that I believe is true when I reflect on Jim’s life.
With Love Always,
Gary Poczos
His Journey’s Just Begun by Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of Jim as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of Jim as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how Jim must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of Jim as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and Jim was loved so much.
My Dearest Jim,
A year has passed without your touch,
a part of you that I loved so much;
I wake alone our bed is cold,
it will get easier so I am told;
but each day that passes without you here
is sometimes more than I can bear;
I know that you are at rest in heaven,
and I pray for God’s strength this December 11th;
to remember you with smiles and tears mixed with laughter,
until I join you someday in the hereinafter.
With Lots of Love Always until the end of time xoxo