Jim Fitch

James Garry (Jim) Fitch, 71 of Napa passed away unexpectedly in his home on December 23 following a brief illness. Jim was born in Napa on December 21, 1945 the son of James and Dorothy Fitch. He attended local schools and while at Napa High School he enlisted in the Navy Reserve. Following HS graduation in 1964 he enlisted in the Navy Sea Bees and served two tours in Vietnam. After his service he was employed at Kaiser Steel as a Maintenance Mechanic and later at Lucky Warehouse in Vacaville. During retirement one of his main priorities was getting together with friends, Dave Haley, Jim Ellis, Bill Coffield, Barry McCall and Dave Estrella for coffee at the Golden Bagel in Napa. He enjoyeded the fellowship of his coffee buddies who he shared so many stories and good times with.

Jim loved the outdoors and was an avid and accomplished hunter and fisherman. He was a joy to be around, with his infectious smile and great sense of humor. Jim was a lifelong Oakland Raiders fan and loved Lake Almanor. He introduced his family and many friends to the Lake over 40 years ago, which turned into an annual family tradition of summer vacationing. Many of these Almanor vacations included his “Top-A-Hoppy” golf tournament – an event he organized that involved dinner and a special award ceremony where he handed out trophies and made a memorable and humorous, customized speech for each recipient.

Jim is survived by his wife, Tish who he was married to for 22 years. The couple had a beautiful, outdoor wedding at Sequoia Vineyards. The first time he met Tish he told his brother-in-law Don Mitchell “I’m going to marry that gal!” He is also survived by his mother in law Ethel Madsen, step son Brad Canepa (Fortunate) granddaughters Milani and Qirra, Brother Rod Fitch (Jacquie), Sisters Cece Mitchell, Rochelle Goetz (Steve), Laura Ogletree (Bill) and Randi Fisher, Brother in laws Fred Madsen, Pete Madsen (Laura), Sister in laws Aleta Madsen, Rozanna Madsen, nephews Jeff Mitchell (Sheri), Jason Mitchell (Heidi), Anthony Paresi, Justin Fisher, Matt Rose (Raquel), Nieces Jeanette Parkhurst, Stacie Leach (Dylan), Angela Limpic, Jill Fisher, Circe Carr, Desiree Yee, Renee Rahman (Steven), Tanya Lindermeier (Jeff), Great Nephews Drake Holman, Hunter Mitchell, Brix Leach, Aiden Quintero, Nathan and Adam Rose, Great nieces Jessica Breit (Adam), Miranda Holman, Emerson Leach, Gabriella Quintero, Kaijae Yee Stephens, Maea Pacheco, Aramae Lindermeir, Kate Rose, Great-Great nephews Kaden Breit, Nathan and Adam Rose.

He is predeceased by his parents, father in law Frederick Madsen, sister Vivian King, brother-in-law Don Mitchell and cousin Michael Black.

Jim was well loved by many. He will be remembered dearly for enjoying life on his own terms, his sense of humor and for his unconditional love for his entire family and countless friends.

A Visitation is at Tulocay Cemetery Funeral Home on January 6, 2017 at 1:00 pm, and a graveside service follows at 2:00 pm.

Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

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