James G. Fitzgerald

James Fitzgerald was born on August 2nd, 1952 and passed on October 8th, 2022, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his loving parents: Bill and Alice. He is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Kim (Stoltz); their children Heather (Brian Joyce), Patrick (Kate), and David (Kate); grandchildren Nora, Shaw, Connor, Griffin, and Fiona; his five brothers and their spouses Michael (Diane), Billy (Mary), Richard (Andrews DeLaFosse), Joel (Jan), Jerome (David Mordini), and his fond in-laws Ken Stoltz (Jan) and Kevin Stoltz (Lori). Jim will be dearly missed by these family members, along with countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who mourn his passing. Throughout his life, Jim showed an incredible commitment to family. He rarely missed a sporting event, birthday party, wedding, memorial celebration, firepit gathering, or even preschool concert. Simply put; Jim showed his love by showing up. He had a biting sarcasm and never took life too seriously. If Jim was here to witness his family writing his obituary, he'd pass out everyone's favorite drink without prompting, then quickly heckle each person for making him sound too saintly or soft. Family parties will never be the same without Jim, but his sense of humor will live on through his children and others. Jim was a steadfast and passionate coach of youth sports. He spent countless hours in local ice rinks, coaching Maine Hockey, Notre Dame, and Express over the past several decades. Prior to that, you could find him coaching his children and the children of Des Plaines in youth baseball, basketball, and soccer. Coach Fitz was at his best when leading a team; patient, firm, knowledgeable, and encouraging. He was a natural at finding opportunities to teach his players not only about the sport at hand, but to teach them about much larger lessons in life. His family, children, grandchildren, and friends will work hard to carry on those lessons every day moving forward. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Des Plaines Park District Foundation in James' memory. Visitation will be Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Matz Mt Prospect Funeral Chapels 410 E Rand Rd, Mt Prospect IL 60056. Funeral Services will be Monday, October 17, 2022 from 9 a.m. until tribute service at 10 a.m. at Matz Mt Prospect Funeral Chapels.

James G. Fitzgerald

August 2, 1952 - October 8, 2022