James G. Fitzgerald Service Information

James (Jim) George Fitzgerald, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on October 16, 2024.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy, his brother Dan (Maureen), his four children and their spouses Jim (Kelly), Tina Power (Jim), Mark (Shannon), and Kristy Karpinski (Brian), and his most treasured gift- his 13 grandchildren – Connor (Taryn), Meghan, Alec, Ryan, Maura, Keegan, Quinn, Katie, Reagan, Avery, Riley, Peyton, and Ava. Finally, we cannot forget his loyal canine companion, Gracie.

Jim was born in Washington, DC on March 1, 1946, to George and Freida Fitzgerald and was raised in Levittown, PA, along with his three siblings. After graduating from Bishop Egan High School where he met the love of his life, Kathy Raab, he attended LaSalle University – becoming a proud Explorer graduate in 1968. With no doubt about his love for Kathy, Jim waited for a young nursing student in the parking lot at Byberry Hospital and asked Kathy to become his wife. They were united as one on April 20, 1968, and celebrated their 56^th anniversary this year.

After Jim’s love for his family and his faith in God, Jim had a deep love for his country. This love compelled him to enlist in the US Army after college, proudly serving domestically and in Korea. The values and work ethic instilled in him during his time in the Army shaped his approach to life following his honorable discharge as a Captain. This was evidenced by his deep commitment to serving others, his willingness to put in the work necessary to get any job done, his lifelong early morning wake up times, and his unwavering belief that you could successfully pack two carloads of stuff into a single car that already had six people in it. 

Jim had a successful career in Sales and Marketing, highlighted by starting his own company, JF Sales, with his good friend and business partner. His business success was the result of his outgoing personality, and his ability to ensure that his values in business were identical to his values in life which always centered on treating other people with respect.

Jim’s commitment to his faith was demonstrated through his countless hours of service at Saint Bede’s to CCD (and his endless supply of donuts for his class), the Padre Pio festival, Pre-Cana, and CYO, as well as Meals on Wheels, St Mary’s shuttle service, and his community service as a coach, and dedicated member of Indian Guides/Princesses. When he was not volunteering his time, he could be found on a racquetball court, tinkering on a home improvement project, making wine, or searching for his golf ball with his family or golfing buddies.

Jim’s legacy will live on in this world through the family and friends whom he so deeply impacted. The lessons he taught us – to live with integrity, to generously give of yourself to benefit others, and to embrace the opportunities for a hearty laugh and a smile – will ensure he is never forgotten.

So, the next time you feel like you’ve been dealt a bad hand or that the odds are against you, say to yourself “It is what it is.” Then get to work to make this one life you have as wonderful as possible for yourself and others around you. And know that Jim will be there with you in spirit helping however and whenever you need it – because it truly is A Wonderful World.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Wednesday Oct. 23, 2024, at St. Bede the Venerable Church 1071 Holland Rd. Holland, from 10:00 am until Words of Remembrances 11:45 am, Funeral Mass to follow at 12:00 pm. Procession to Washington Crossing National Cemetery, will form on Thursday at 9:45 am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd (at Holland Rd.).  Interment with Military Honors will take place at 10:30am. 

Contributions in Jim's name can be made to St. Bede Parish Out Reach Programs, 1071 Holland Rd., c/o Kris Ingle, Holland PA 18966, or The Salvation Army, 215 Appletree Dr., Levittown, PA 19058.

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