Jim worked at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, for over 35 years, first in Operations and Maintenance, then as Shopkeeper, and ending his career as Facility Manager for the School of Life Sciences. He retired in 2001, and he and his wife moved to Green Valley, AZ in 2001, but had visited every year since1990. He was active in his home owners' association, serving as Landscape Supervisor and President. He was Secretary of  The Green Valley Lapidary Club and taught silver chain-making classes for several years He volunteered at his church, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Nogales, AZ where he served as Junior Warden and Senior Warden. He was custodian at GVR West Center before assuming the position of Facility Manager at the White Elephant Thrift Store where he worked for many years. He was Secretary-Treasurer of St. Andrew's Children's Clinic and spent many hours facilitating the work of The Clinic to provide care for children living in Mexico who could not afford or get the specialized medical care they need in their home country. Jim was ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church in 2010, and served as The Reverend James Fitzsimmons at St. Andrew's Children's Clinic in Nogales, AZ. Jim met his wife square dancing which they enjoyed for many years, moving up to the C1 dance level. They also were Round Dancers and Ballroom Dancers. Jim was an avid sports fan, a "die-hard" Cubs fan who was thrilled to see his team take the World Series last year. He never missed a Bears game if at all possible. He supported the UA Women's Softball Team which regular attendance as a season ticket holder.