James William Fitzpatrick, a retired educator and rancher passed away Tuesday November 12, 2013 in Helena. Jim was raised on the family ranch near Hot Springs, Montana. He attended elementary school at Oliver Gulch, Big Bend and Hot Springs Schools. Jim was a graduate of Hot Springs High School. He participated in all competitive sports and other school activities.
Following graduation from High School, Jim enrolled in the Teacher Education Program at Western Montana College in Dillon, graduating in 1957 with Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Following graduation, Jim was employed by Malta High School as a teacher, school counselor, and coach. During his five years at Malta, he attended Western’s Graduate Program during the summer and received a Master’s Degree in Education in 1957.
In 1958, Jim married June Ereaux. They moved to Dillon in 1962 where Jim was employed at Beaverhead County High School as Assistant Principal. In 1963, they were forever blessed by the birth of their daughter, Rhonda Lee.
In 1964, they moved to Helena where Jim was employed by the Office of Public Instruction. Following 10 years of service, Jim joined the Helena Public Schools serving as Director of Career and Vocational Education. Jim played a major role in developing exemplary programs designed to serve all students. He thoroughly enjoyed his work in the Helena Schools and maintained a close working relationship with administrators, teachers and students.
In 1986, Jim was appointed by Governor Schwinden to the Montana Council on Vocational Education. Following encouragement and support from his fellow colleagues, Jim was selected as Executive Director of the Council, a position he held for 10 years.
In 1996, Jim retired from Public Service and concentrated his time and efforts to the ranch in Polson, Montana.
Jim (“Fitz”) was an outstanding husband, dad, uncle and friend to everybody. Those folks who knew or had one conversation with Fitz recognized the gentle soul he carried. He was the story teller and advice giver (whether you wanted it or not). Whether in coveralls, jeans or a suit, he was the same person inside and out.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife June, daughter Rhonda and husband Mike (Hinman) of Polson, Sister Alicia Whitman of Mission, and a large extended loving family.
Fitz’s stories and wisdom will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday November 16, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 16, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday November 16, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 16, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Liz and Harold Lair says
Dear June, Rhonda and Mike:
So many memories of Fitz and “branding day” the fun of listening to the stories and Fitz’s way of always making us feel so special.
Love and prayers to all of you.
Liz and Harold
Steve and Kim York says
Rhonda, Mike, and Family,
Jim was a great man and a really nice person. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve and Kim
John and Deb Whyte says
Rhonda,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Mike
Sue Kron says
Dear June & family,
I just saw Fitz’s obit in the Tribune this morning, and it really saddened me. Curt and I are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Fitzpatrick was a very special man to all who knew him, and our little part of the world was far better off with him in it.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Curt and Sue Kron
Malta
Dr. Marolane Stevenson says
I was sorry to see in the Missoulian that Jim passed away. I worked with him on the state advisory council for vocational education. I was a counselor at Hellgate High School in Missoula and am now at Big Sky in Missoula. Jim was a great advocate and leader and a wonderful person. He will be remembered and missed.
Pat Feeley says
Dear June and Rhonda,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was truly a wonderful man. I worked for him for several years in the early/mid 70’s when he was leading a new career education program for the Helena schools. I have felt close to him every since and regret that our paths did not cross more often. Jim was an exemplary human being and I am so glad to have known him. Best wishes to all in his family.
Duane Walker says
Hi June:
This is Duane Walker. I knew Jim while growing up in Malta. He was always so kind
to me and even years later we would share our Malta stories. He was just wonderful
to be around and so happy to call him my friend. Thinking of you. Duane
Dave Bick says
Dear Rhonda Mike and June
Unlike Jim, I do not know what to say . Jim would have all the right words, maybe even a story to brighten the moment. He was a great Friend who I Will allways remmember!
My thoughts and prayers to you.
Dave Bick
Doris Maeggie (Allen-Nicholson) Whitley says
Dear June, Rhonda and families,
Although I now live in California’s central valley, I stay in close touch with Malta people. This morning during a telephone conversation, Frances Saputo Demarais related your loss of Jim.
I, like many other Malta High alumni, were so blessed that our lives crossed paths with his. Many of us would not be quite who we are today had we not been encouraged and mentored by him. Even though I had several superb teachers, Jim has remained my all-time favorite. Even though I am “retired” from the educational profession, I still consult for my California district, training teachers and modeling second language classrooms. His love of learning and his belief in young people is a priceless gift he left in many of our hearts.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you now travel without him by your side.
Doris “Maeggie” (Allen-Nicholson) Whitley
Deanna (Turley) Reynolds says
June, Rhonda, and Mike,
Oh the many road trips to the farm in the fall and having Jimmy make us pancakes to get us ready for loading and hauling hay. Ice fishing at Canyon Ferry and cutting wood also spark many happy memories for me. Oh how he will be missed.
Take care of yourselves.
Deanna, Brian, and family
Lynn Karr says
Jim was one of a kind. I first come to know him when I was a sophomore at BCHS. There was something special about Jim. He was alway looking out for the students. I know that he helped me get the job of teaching automechanics at Capital High. He was a good boss and was always looking for ways to promote vocational education any way he could. He was more that a boss, he was a friend. The world will be a little less bright without Jim in it.
Jim Lodge says
Hi June, So sorry to hear of your loss. Jim was a very kind man and an outstanding educator. My parents enjoyed your friendship very much. There was much to talk about especially with both family’s having a Malta connection. Dad always spoke about how much he enjoyed working with Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Kvamme says
Dear June, I was so sorry to read Mr. Fitzpatrick,s obituary in the G.F. Tribune this morning. He was truly a fine man. I felt so fortunate to meet you two in Malta in 2009. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Lawrence and Emma Allen says
June and family: One of the highlights of our many trips to Montana to visit my sister, Grace Anders, was the pleasure in visiting with you and Jim. He was one of a kind and we will never forget his kindness to us and my sister, Grace. If we could all see the world thru Jims eyes, what a wonderful world it would be. Your friends in Kansas, Lawrence and Emma Allen.
Don McCandless says
My condolences are with you. Fitz was one of my favorite teachers and coaches. He was truly an educator in the best sense of the word. He will be missed by so many of us.
Love and prayers,
Don
Nancy Lierow says
Dear June,
Was saddened to hear about Fitz leaving us. He was a great man and a wonderful teacher. I know how hard this will be as I lost Bill a year ago. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Sandy Quickenden says
Dear June, Rhonda & Mike,
I was so sorry to read of Jim’s passing. He really was a very special man and a fantastic boss. I always enjoyed working with him, both in the Helena School District, as well as the MT Council on Vo-Ed. Life deals us some interesting cards and I drew a great one in working with “Fitz.”
Cindy Logan says
Dear June, Rhonda & Mike,
I was so sad to read about Jim’s passing. June and Jim were my neighbors on Hollins and Jim was always there to visit with and surprise Barbara and me with snow removal. He was a true angel that we were all blessed with during his time here on earth. He was a corner stone in my life and I will forever miss him being my neighbor and friend. When ever I make applesauce I will always remember Jim. I now know why my apple tree produced the most apples this year then it ever has before. May you find peace in knowing you shared a wonderful person with all of us and for that I thank you. Rhonda, he was so very proud of you and I know he will be watching over you and your mother. Take care, Cindy Logan
Joe Williams says
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband and father. I worked with Jim many years ago when I was a budget analyst for the Governor’s Budget Office and he was Executive
Director of the Vo-Ed Council. I remember him as an extremely kind, intelligent, witty and sincere gentleman. I always looked forward to my visits with Jim, as he had a unique gift of making you feel special. I always respected and admired that quality, and he has always held a special place in my heart. I can well imagine the celestial celebration going on in Heaven at such a wonderful homecoming! May God bless and keep you.
Nancy Terwilliger-Grube says
Dear June, Rhonda, and families.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mr. Fitzpatrick was my history teacher in high school and was an excellent teacher. I had the opportunity to see him several times over the years. He was always so encouraging of my endeavors of getting a Master’s and then a Doctorate degree. I especially enjoyed the time that we worked together for the Montana Vocational Association. He was a wonderful, caring person. He will be missed. Dr. Nancy Terwilliger-Grube
Dick and Donna Jennings says
Dear June and kids,
We have always considered “Fitz” a good friend since going to school in Malta. We will miss his smiling face and pleasant visits. Our prayers are with him and you.
Paul Stahl says
I first met Jim when I was a senior in high school in 1964 at Beaverhead County. I next ran into Jim when he was with OPI and I was a teacher. My next encounter was when he was an administrator with the Helena Schools and I was on the school board.
He was a good man and a great educator. The student was his primary focus. I remember him fondly and thought of him as my friend. I am truly sorry for his passing.