WATERTOWN, NY —Â James E. Fitzpatrick, 70, left peacefully under the watch of his sons and daughters-in-law early Saturday morning, Feb. 4, 2023.
Jim was born to Gertrude Mary Wright and James Ezry Fitzpatrick on Oct. 30, 1952. Jim, a 6’4″ proud Irish-American, loved by all, was an active member of the community.
Jim was a brilliant professor at Jefferson Community College, a revered high school teacher at Watertown High, a football coach, swimming coach, hockey coach, and a Scout leader. Â Mr. Fitzpatrick was also the “Voice” of the Cavaliers for the IHC hockey games in the 90’s, and will never be forgotten for his tenure as the cherished MC at the Irish Festival in Watertown.
Growing up, Jim was a member of the Watertown High School Swim Team and he continued his love of swimming until the final years of his life. Jim was a member of the 1980 Red & Black Championship football team, and along with sports he loved hunting, fishing and boating with his sons.
Jim married the love of his life, Carolyn Fitzpatrick, county legislator and legend of Jefferson County, in the garden of the Historical Society in Watertown in 1985. Jim is making his way to Carolyn in heaven after stopping by St. Peter’s Pub for a couple of Guinness.
Jim leaves behind his two sons, Thomas and Mark Neveldine, and their wives, Carrie and Alison and his grandchildren, Tyler (Cassidy), Teagan, Billy, Georgia, Marion, and great-grandchild, Tucker. At the time of this publication, we believe this is all of them. Jim is survived by his sisters Leslie, Jamie Fitzpatrick Combs (Alan), and Jenny Fitzpatrick (Dan McKenrick). Jim’s brother Jeff passed away in 2014.
Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral Mass will be said 10 a.m. Friday, March 17, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Church, Watertown. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Fayetteville, NY.
Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com
Contributions may be made to Jefferson County Historical Society, 228 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601, St. Patrick’s Church, 123 S. Massey Street, Watertown, NY 13601 or the Alzheimers Society, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.