Obituary of James M. Fitzpatrick

Devoted husband, father and grandfather, age 93, was called home by God on November 29, 2014 at the Emeritus retirement home in Rancho Mirage, CA with his wife Marilyn and family at his side. He lived a long, beautiful life in both the Pacific Northwest and the Coachella Valley. Always whistling a tune along the trails, he had a wonderful journey and better yet, leaves a legacy that we all will cherish. Jim was born in Spokane WA on August 6, 1921. He married Marilyn V. May on Sept. 15, 1945, at Visitation Catholic Church in South Tacoma WA. James graduated from Bellarmine High School in Tacoma, attended Seattle University, and graduated from University of Washington in Seattle, with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served in the US Navy during WWII. He established Fitzpatrick and McIntyre general contractors in 1947-48 with his late brother-in- law, Richard McIntyre, and they were business partners and best friends for 36 years. He left behind a Northwest legacy of many buildings built by Fitzpatrick and McIntyre Company. His building projects consisted of custom homes, residential housing and commercial buildings; hospitals, churches, schools, banks and apartment complexes. All the family members, many friends and in-laws, from both Jim and Dick's side, worked in some way within the company. In his business years Jim and his partner Dick were members of the Association of General Contractors from 1945-1981. Jim's interests were motor-homing, skiing, tennis, hiking, back packing, camping and boating on the Puget Sound. In his younger years Jim belonged to Sea Scouts and loved the waters. He took many family and friends on back pack trips into the Olympics and Cascades. On his retirement in 1981 he and his wife traveled many roads and hi-ways across the United States of America, visiting many National parks and monuments from Alaska to a motor home train ride in Mexico. They took up a retirement home in Southern CA, at Thousand Palms and enjoyed many years of entertaining family and friends. Golf became his hobby along with tennis and hiking all the desert trails he could find. He leaves us with the joy of the warm sun on our backs and echoes of his whistling tunes. Jim was our trail master wherever he went. He was an avid outdoorsman and gave his life to the church and God. He never left home without his rosary. His door was always open to all family and friends. Jim was highly respected by all and later developed the nickname "Gentleman Jim"! He was the most loving husband, father and friend anyone could ever have. We will miss you dearly dad. James is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Marilyn V. Fitzpatrick; daughters and sons-in-law Mary and Dave Kohler, Linda Suzanne and Rob Ware, Kathleen and Richard Schneider; sons and daughters-in-law Micheal and Ann Marie Fitzpatrick, Gary and Sue Fitzpatrick, William and Joan Fitzpatrick. Also survived by his sister Genevieve McIntyre; his brother John Fitzpatrick; 12 loving grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; many friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Mabel and Joseph C. Fitzpatrick Sr., his sister Betty Amidon and his brother Joseph Fitzpatrick, Jr. Rosary will be recited 10:30 am and Funeral Mass 11:00 am Friday, July 10th 2015 at Visitation Catholic Church, 3314 S. 58th St Tacoma WA 98409, followed by a reception at Star Center, 3873 S. 66th St, Tacoma WA 98409 from 12:30pm to 3:00pm. Burial ceremony will be at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 70th St W, Tacoma. Memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to Visitation Catholic Church.