James X. Fitzpatrick

James X. Fitzpatrick 

Jim passed away at home on June 25, 2024 at the age of 86, as his family serenaded him with his favorite Irish songs. Jim, son of the late Frank and Rose Fitzpatrick, was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, on January 11, 1938. 

Jim immigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1954, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn. He knew the moment he laid eyes on her at the airport coffee shop, that she was the one. They married in 1966 and had 4 children; Maura, Kelly, Neil, and Kerry. In 1972, they moved to the US where they built their life.

Upon settling in Delmar, Jim and Carolyn became involved in the St. Thomas Church and school community. Together they taught religious education, worked on the Care Team, and were Eucharistic Ministers. Jim also sang in the St. Thomas Choir, and famously portrayed one of the Three Wise Men in the Church Christmas pageant. Jim had a beautiful voice and loved to sing old Irish songs. His singing was contagious and holiday dinners always ended with a chorus of happy voices. 

Jim was a mentor, friend, and father figure to many. In addition to his church activities, he coached his brothers' hockey and lacrosse teams in Canada; coached dozens of Tomboys softball and Tri-Village Little League teams; and for twenty years he coached CYO basketball. He made sure every player on those basketball teams could shoot a free throw. As he would say, “free throws win games!"

Jim worked for 37 years for Mohawk Airlines, Allegheny Airlines, USAir, & USAirways. This spurred his love of travel. He and Carolyn explored much of Europe, but were especially fond of their trips to Italy with their wonderful group of friends. They also loved their many trips to Mexico with family.

After his retirement, Jim kept himself busy volunteering with Bethlehem Senior Services, golfing, reading, going to countless grandkids activities, writing poetry, and spending Wednesdays at O’Slattery’s with his buddies, who dubbed themselves, “ the Guinness Police”. In the winter months, Jim made shillelaghs from felled tree branches and built model train towns. He was a master storyteller and would often regale friends and family with tales from his oldest memories. Above all, he loved just being in the company of his wife, Carolyn, their children, and grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Jim would tell you that his finest qualities were kindness and selflessness. He always had something positive to say and built people up with an encouraging word or a simple smile and a hug.

In typical Fitz fashion, Jim would like to say to all his friends and family…"So long, it's been a great ride, not always laughs but enough to get Carolyn and I through the tough times. Life is a journey and what would it be if you didn't learn from it. I want to thank one and all, who made this an extraordinary adventure.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carolyn (O'Neill). His daughters Maura (Bob) Lilley; Kelly (Adrian) Nace; Kerry (Jack) Hoenig, and son Neil (Sarah) Fitzpatrick. Jim was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Braden, Connor, Piper Lilley; Harrison, Christian, Donovan Nace; Brennan, Collin, Delaney Fitzpatrick; Alex, and Reese Hoenig. His sister Angela Scott, and brothers John and Micheal Fitzpatrick and countless cousins, nieces and nephews in Ireland, Canada, and the US. Jim was predeceased by his brother Joseph Terrance and sisters, Kathleen (Vidal), Ursula (Smith), and Josephine (Kelly).

Jim's family would like to thank his team of doctors, who he considered friends. A special thank you to Dr, Greenblatt, Dr. Atalay, Dr. Santoro, and Dr. Cortazar.

Calling hours will be on Friday, June 28 from 4-7pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave, Delmar. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 29, 10am at St. Thomas Church, 35 Adams Pl, Delmar.

Those wishing to remember Jim in a special way may send a contribution to St. Thomas the Apostle School, www.stthomas-school.org  or Bethlehem Senior Projects, www.bethlehemseniorproject.org.