James G. Fitzgerald

James G. Fitzgerald of Caro, age 85, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2016 at Heritage Hill Assisted Living, following a period of declining health. Jim was born July 19, 1931 in Caro, the son of the late William H. & Berneice A. (Riley) Fitzgerald. He graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1949 and was an honorary member of the class of 1948. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Central Michigan University in 1953 where he was a member of the fraternity Delta Sigma Phi. He enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after his graduation, serving from 1953 to 1955 where he received the Army of Occupation, National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to CMU where he earned a Master's Degree in Education. Jim began his career in education at Unionville Community High School in 1956, where he also served as driving instructor and principal in later years. He was later employed as a teacher, assistant principal and football coach at Bay City Central High School and returned to teaching at the end of his career at Bay City Western High School in Auburn. As a young teacher, Jim spent his summers working on Mackinac Island loading carriages. He also worked as a paralegal in Florida following his years of teaching. Jim was a devoted volunteer for the Tuscola County Fair, and was a lifetime member of the Fair Association. He was also instrumental in the creation of countless fairground amenities that include Heritage Hall, the horseshow ring, campgrounds, barns, grandstand and the horse wash rack. In 2004, Jim received the Tuscola County Friend of 4-H Award. Jim was also a member of the Caro V.F.W. Post 4164, Caro American Legion Post 7, Caro Mt. Moriah Lodge 226 F&AM, Bay City Scottish Rite Consistory, Shriners of Bay City and was a past president of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. Jim is survived by one brother and his wife, Robert A. & Annemarie Fitzgerald of Beaufort, South Carolina; two nieces, Annemarie Fitzgerald of Atlanta, Georgia, Katie & Steve Giammona of Beaufort, South Carolina and their daughters, Ashton and Olivia; two nephews, David Fitzgerald of Caro, Bill Fitzgerald of Orlando; and many extended family members that include the Nowlands and Rileys. Jim was preceded in death by a sister and brother, Lois and Richard Fitzgerald. In keeping with Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service to honor his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Michele Hile officiating. Burial will follow at Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro with military honors rendered by the Caro American Legion Post 7 and the United States Army. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Tuscola County 4-H to create a scholarship in Jim's name to be presented at the 2017 Tuscola County Fair. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, November 19, 2016 Time: 1:00 pm End Time: 2:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, November 19, 2016 Time: 2:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map In keeping with Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service to honor his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Michele Hile officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, November 19, 2016 Indianfields Township Cemetery Address: 989-673-2428 | Map Burial will follow at Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro with military honors rendered by the Caro American Legion Post 7 and the United States Army.