September 13, 2019 — Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. James E. Fitzgerald, SJ, who died on September 12, 2019, at St. Camillus in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He was 84 years old. May he rest in peace.

He is survived by his brother, Thomas (Marilyn) and sister, Betty (Dr. James) Quinn, both of Omaha, and nieces and nephews.

Born in Omaha on June 9, 1935, Jim graduated from Creighton Preparatory School before entering the Society on August 17, 1953. He had the usual Jesuit course of studies at St. Stanislaus Seminary, St. Louis University, and St. Mary's College. He was ordained on June 9, 1966, made tertianship in Decatur, IL, and pronounced his final vows on November 6, 1971 at the University of Santa Clara.

During Regency, Jim taught history at Campion Jesuit High School, Prairie du Chien, WI, and after ordination spent some years in graduate studies in education at Stanford University. For most of his years of active ministry Jim worked in the advancement offices of Creighton University (1968-1971 and 1979-1983) and Marquette University (1985-2002). In 2008 he moved to the St. Camillus Jesuit Community, where he remained until his death. He was preceded in death by his twin brother Robert who died in 2016. Jim and Bob entered the Society together and were ordained on the same day.

Jim was loquacious and eager to engage others in conversation. He was an intrepid researcher whether in his family's Irish history or in donor research. Once, the president of Marquette University was going to ask a donor for $250,000, but, after researching the donor, Jim suggested the president ask for $1.5 million — and the president received the donation! Jim was a man of prayer and a gracious community member.

VISITATION

Monday, September 16, 2019
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Madonna della Strada Chapel
St. Camillus Jesuit Community
10201 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Wauwatosa, WI

FUNERAL

Monday, September 16, 2019
7:30 p.m.
Madonna della Strada Chapel
St. Camillus Jesuit Community