Major James C. Fitzgerald, Ret. U.S.A.F., age 67, passed away suddenly while vacationing in London on August 4, 2000, beloved husband of Alice C. “Kitty”, nee French; loving father of Mark (Cynthia), Leslie (Frank) Garcia, Sean (Victoria), Victoria (Peter) McGing, Mary “Marla” (Michael) Wickman and James; proud grandfather of nine; dear brother of Sr. Mary Paulette S.C.L., Marjorie (Robert) McMullen, Teri (Robert) Harmening, Helen (Larry) Benson and the late Arthur (Phyllis); fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. A veteran pilot with more than 185 combat missions as a member of an elite Air Commando unit in Southeast Asia in 1968 and 1969. He was honored with numerous awards including 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses. In civilian life, he was honored by Illinois Bell Telephone Company as a member of the prestigious Presidents Club. Even as a young man, he strove for excellence as evidenced by his achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Funeral Saturday, 9:15 a.m. from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn to Queen of Martyrs Church. Mass 10 a.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation Friday, 2 to 9 p.m. Retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1977 after 22 years. Highly decorated Air Commando and Strategic Air Command. Left Illinois Bell/Ameritech in 1975 after 17 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Info, 708-636-1193 or 773-735-4242.
