James "Jim" Arthur Fichtenkort, loving husband, father, and grandfather, age 88, passed away on March 19, 2025. Born in West Point, IA, on October 1, 1936, he was the youngest of five sons to Christian and Cecilia Fichtenkort. Jim is survived by his three daughters Nancy Fichtenkort Ross (Dave), Jane Fichtenkort Flaherty (Paul), Amy Fichtenkort Marjani (Keith) and five grandchildren (Mackenzie, James, Katelyn, PJ, and Jordan), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in July 2024 by his wife of sixty-one years, Paula Fichtenkort, his parents, and brothers - Eugene, Charles, Roland, and Bernard.

He received his degree in Accounting from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA in 1958. He enlisted in the Army after college, was stationed at Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire, England, where he met his future wife Paula. After a brief courtship, they moved to the US and were married on September 2, 1961, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Point, IA.

In 1961, Jim began working for IBM in Springfield, IL. In 1975, Jim's job moved the family to Westport, CT while he commuted to New York City. He retired from IBM after 30 years. When Paula retired in 1996, they moved to Hilton Head, SC, and 25 years later they moved to Vero Beach, FL to be closer to their family.

Jim dedicated his life to his faith and his family. In Hilton Head, Jim was very involved at Holy Family Catholic Church where he attended mass daily and was a lector, eucharistic minister, altar server, and a Knight of Columbus. He was also active with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Jim continued his faith in Vero Beach attending St. Helen Catholic Church daily at 7:30 am and Saturdays at 4:00 pm. Living in Vero Beach allowed Jim and Paula to be part of more family gatherings. They loved hosting family dinners. His daughters and grandchildren feel very blessed to have been able to spend as much time as they did over the past several years.

Jim enjoyed his family reunions with all of his brothers and their entire family every 2 years. This tradition started in the 1950s in West Point, IA, and continues to this day. He was very happy to have been able to attend this past reunion in July, where he saw his entire extended family.

Jim's family remembers him as a man of unwavering faith, boundless love, and gentle kindness. His daughters recall his wisdom, his sense of humor, and his ability to make everyone feel special and loved. His grandchildren cherish the countless stories he shared, the lessons he taught, and the warmth of his hugs. Jim's legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at St. Helen's Catholic Church, Vero Beach, FL at 10:00 am. At 2:30 pm on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, both Jim and Paula will be laid to rest together at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, receiving a military honors ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1745 14th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.