James "Jim" Arnold FitzGibbon

Captain James “Jim” Arnold FitzGibbon, at the ripe and wonderful age of 80, passed away in Pawleys Island, SC on August 24, 2021. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 50 years, Sharon, and 3 of his 4 children: Charlie, John, and Katie.  He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Thomas Louis FitzGibbon, his mother Louise FitzGibbon, his brother Dr. Michael FitzGibbon, his brother Tommy FitzGibbon, his sister Jane Lennon, and his sister Bibbie Riley.

Born on May 16, 1941 and raised in Coral Gables, Jim was a gifted swimmer, and he held all city and all state swimming records from 1957-1959. His high school superlative stated, “Our next best bet for the Olympics, if Hollywood doesn’t get him first!” He graduated from Coral Gables High School and went on to Indiana University to swim on scholarship. In 1961, he was awarded all American swimmer at Indiana.  He completed his college career with a swim scholarship at University of Miami and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. After serving in the Air Force reserves for four years, he went on to become a commercial airline pilot for Eastern Airlines in 1966. He received his Captain’s wings in 1984. He retired from flying after 35 years.

He was an avid golfer. You could always find him with a putter in his hands practicing his short game if he wasn’t on the course or flying a plane. He loved to play golf with Charlie, John, and Katie’s husband Lee.  Jim had sparkly blue eyes and sandy hair, and an air of relaxation around him that was infectious. He was a devout Catholic. He adored his parents, his brothers, and his sisters. He loved his beautiful wife every day.  He taught all his kids to fish and waterski, and he instilled a love of the water in them. He was a dad to any kid that happened to spend time at the Fitz house when his kids were growing up. He always had an extra seat at the dinner table for anyone who needed it. He had a love of music, laughter, and spending time with friends and family. He was humble, loving, and funny. He was generous, patient, and kind. He made an impact on anyone that spent time with him. To know him was to love him. He was a friend to all.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, his children and their spouses, Charles (Suzy FitzGibbon), Katie (Lee Howard), John(Cathy FitzGibbon) and Julie (Tim Walsh), 10 beautiful grandchildren: Tommy, Caitlyn, Will, Emily, Trey, Grace, Graham, Logan, Hannah, and Noah. He is also survived by his sister Ann Taylor of Tequesta FL, his sister Louise Bennett of Miami, FL, and so many nieces, and nephews that all loved him very much. He was able to celebrate his 80th birthday surrounded by family and friends, and his 50th wedding anniversary on August 14th.  He will be missed by everyone, but we will all reunite in Heaven, in God’s time.

A full mass will be held for him on Friday, September 10th at 11:00am at Saint Brigid Catholic Church at 3400 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022. Internment immediately following in the columbarium. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to FOCUS of Georgia, which helps families of children with disabilities. WWW.focus-ga.org

Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.