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James (Jim) P. Fitzpatrick

James P. Fitzpatrick passed away on Nov. 2, 2012, at his Kenwood home, with family by his side. Born Jan. 20, 1927, in Borris, County Carlow, Ireland, Jim came to America with his brother, Art, in 1949, settling first in Pennsylvania, where he met and married Winnie, who would be his wife for 57 years.

  In 1963, Jim moved the family to California to become superintendent at C&D Batteries in Santa Rosa. He worked in battery manufacturing for 40 years. Jim lived in Kenwood for 49 years, 45 of them shared with his wife, Winnie E. Fitzpatrick, a prolific and widely published poet and short story writer.

  Jim loved golf, and achieved a 7-handicap and three holes-in-one before hip problems forced him to retire. He then took up water exercise, and for 14 years spent weekdays at the Santa Rosa YMCA, making close friends and becoming an official member of the Y’s Old Mens Club. Card games were Jim’s passion, and every Friday night for years he drove to Concord to play Irish card games with his brother Art and friends. He also loved reading and gardening.

  He is survived by his daughter Jo Timmsen and husband Tom, son Martin and wife Melissa, daughter-in law Diane Fitzpatrick, brother Art and wife Kathleen, grandchildren Israel Bennett and wife Sheila, Ashley Fitzpatrick and husband Steve, Ben (Tucker) Bennett, recently deceased, great-grandchildren Emily, Dylan and Cassidy, and devoted caregivers Tony and Lucy. He was predeceased by his wife Winnie and children James, Mary Theresa and Johnny. Jim’s sense of humor and good nature will be greatly missed.

  A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 11:30 a.m. at the Kenwood Community Church, 9637 Channing Row, Kenwood.