James ‘Jim’ Fitzgerald

(Donated to Diabetes Canada)

(Donated to Diabetes Canada)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to Diabetes Canada)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)

(Donated to Diabetes Canada)

(Donated to Diabetes Canada)

I had the great privilege of working with Chief Fitzgerald over the years and it was with the deepest of sadness when I learned of his passing. I first met Jim in the fall of 1976 when I was assigned to his Engine Company at Station #3. He remained my Captain for the next few years after we were transferred in 1977 to old Station #5 on Adelaide Street South. He loved that old fire house and all the stories that went along with it. Fire fighters like Jim Fitzgerald are the reason the London Fire Department has such a strong foundation and is ranked amongst the best in the nation. Jim had the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He gave his all, throughout his career and long into his retirement and for that, we are thankful. Jim's years of dedication to maintaining the history of the LFD, honour the walls of our fire stations. Now they claim a picture is worth a thousand words and in times when we fear litigation and are consumed by an information over-load, sometimes to find the answers - we need look no further than a picture on the wall. Thank you Chief Fitzgerald. Our sincere condolences. Mike and Marie Black

(Donated to Salvation Army)

Dear Shawn &;Michelle, Les & Anne and all of the Fitzgerald Family My deepest condolences on the loss of such a fine man. He was exceptional in so many ways and it was such a privilege to work with him. Both Peter and I had great respect and admiration for Fitzy, a true leader, mentor and kind man. He took his job very seriously but he also made it fun to come to work each day. We all had so many great laughs. Farewell to a Legend.

To the entire Fitzgerald family-please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. I remember the family well from my teaching days at Arthur Ford. You will be in my prayers as you mourn the loss of your dad. Be strong during these difficult days.

Dear Shawn &;Michelle, Les & Anne and all of the Fitzgerald Family My deepest condolences on the loss of such a fine man. He was exceptional in so many ways and it was such a privilege to work with him. Both Peter and I had great respect and admiration for Fitzy, a true leader, mentor and kind man. He took his job very seriously but he also made it fun to come to work each day. We all had so many great laughs. Farewell to a Legend.

I had the great privilege of working with Chief Fitzgerald over the years and it was with the deepest of sadness when I learned of his passing. My sincere condolences to Jim, Rick, Paul, Shawn and Anne, extended family and grand kids for the passing of your dad and grandpa

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Jim, Rick, Paul, Shawn and Anne, extended family and grand kids for the passing of your dad and grandpa. Jim was a terrific dad and huge supporter of everything about family. It was a pleasure to have known him although been many years since we last met. It's tough to lose your Dad, the hurt remains but memories will never fade. My sincere condolences to you all. Kelvin and Family.

We wish to extend our condolences to Chief Fitzgeralds Family For their loss. Jim was a pleasure to work with and always displayed a compassion for all the members of the Fire Department. He will be Sorley Missed.

I had the pleasure of working with Jim in the early 90's when he became the Fire Chief. He was a 'salt of the earth' person. No doubt he will be missed by his family and our community. My sincere condolences to everyone.

My sincerest condolences to Shawn and the family at this time. I loved working with Chief Fitzgerald and always loved his stories. He will definitely be missed.

As the daughter of Clarence Fones, a London Fire Fighter, I remember hearing my dad talk about Chief Fitzgerald with fondness. I also was friends with his son Jimmy and my condolences go to him and the entire Fitzgerald family. May your memories help heal your sadness.

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prays are with you.

Shawn and family. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I have many memories of working with Chief Fitzgerald and enjoyed many visits in Communications after his retirement. He was always welcome ! Please accept our condolences. Sue and Mark

I don't really know what to say. I'm lucky to have known him, and to have had the opportunity to enjoy his stories, to take advantage of his wisdom, and to appreciate just how much he truly loved "the family business". My favourite memory of Fitzy is him riding fifth on my pump, with his folder full of photocopied Ride-Along Waivers, and thinking I should probably just let him take command so I could pick up some pointers. He was one of a kind, and he's going to be greatly missed by many, including me.

Brother Jimmy, we are holding you dearly in our hearts in prayer to the Lord while you grieve the passing of your dad. May the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding dwell deeply inside you.

My condolences to Jim's family and friends and the firefighting community that had the privilege to work with Jim. Betty I remember the night I met you and Jim at the Hillside Restaurant and the wonderful words that Jim spoke about my father, Ed Dalgity. His words comforted me greatly and I hope you are comforted with other's reflections of Jim. I know Dad respected Jim as a firefighter, Chief and a family man. It was an honour to spend time with Jim in his " museum " and in my clinic. I can only imagine the reunion he is having in the Great Beyond with those that have gone before.

As the daughter of Paul McPherson, who is a retired London Firefighter, Dad shared with me many positive memories of working alongside Jim over many years... Jim was a dedicated and tireless advocate for both active & retired Firefighters, and worked hard to preserve their history & contributions to the London community. Our sincere condolences go out to Jim's family.

It was with sadness that I learned of Fitzy's passing. He was one of the best chiefs I had the honor to work with. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to Shawn and all the family.

Dear Jimmy, Betty & Elaine & all Fitzgerald Clan, We are saddened to read of Jim's death. Quite a Man & quite a Legacy. My memory trails back to the Walker picnics 0f the 1950's-60's and then fast-forwards to bumping into Jim at various gatherings and history talks. His presence will be missed forever by both family and community. Holding you close in my heart. Pegi Walker (cousin.....'right Unc?')

Dear Jim and Family members and friends;We are so very sorry to hear of the recent passing of a truly fine citizen of London,Ontario who served us all so well as a former chief of our local fire department for so many years we must say here in London,Ontario and served his community and friends and family so very well over a great career also and numerous business and social gatherings over many years with family and true loyal friends per se so well also we must say.His presence will be missed in our great city of London by each of us we trust for many years we are sure from this day forward.Kindly remember all the great moments you all shared over many social and important occasions for your family and friends okay.We are all confident that thes moments will continue to sustain each one of you in the future with your perspective careers and retirement years now or likewise forthcoming in the future we trust okay with your heads held high always and a genuine snile on each of your faces okay.Yours Sincerely Brian Cross,Harry and Darlene TenHaaf and family London,Ontario,Doug and Brenda Matin Scarborough,Ontario

Dear Fitzgerald Family, I send condolences as you grieve the loss but celebrate the life of Jim..I was Dental Hygienist to Jim at 484 Central Limited in London..I retired and moved from London sixteen years ago so I have not seen Jim in all those years..I remember great conversations with Jim about his family, his Fire Department, his winter trips to Dunedin and life on general..Jim was always soft spoken and easy to like..Jim has often been thought about in recent years as we all age..Please know that I will hold all your family in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of a true London legend..Blessings to all who love Jim, Dawn Cumming.

We worked together for many years. He was patient and knew his stuff. So sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences

Betty, i'm so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Dad and I send our condolences and hugs to you and the family.. Take care xo

I was deeply saddened to read about Jim's passing. I always enjoyed seeing Jim when he came into the office. Betty, you both made such a lovely couple. I enjoyed having you both on my tours. I'm sending hugs your way, Betty. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Our condolences to the Fitzgerald family for your loss.