OBITUARY: James M. Fitzpatrick, Jr., 61

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — James M. Fitzpatrick, Jr., “Fitzy”, age 61, a life-long resident of Wilmington, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family and friends on April 24, 2022, following a brief illness.

Jimmy was born on February 20, 1961, in Brighton, MA; he was the cherished only son to James Fitzpatrick and Susan Carmody. Jimmy, along with his sisters, were raised in a tight knit neighborhood in Wilmington. As a young kid, Jimmy loved to box, build soap box cars and participate in demolition derby’s. He loved to hang around with the neighborhood kids, play pick up sports and get into his share of mischief; all in fun. Jimmy attended Wilmington schools and was a graduate of Wilmington High School Class of 1979.

Jimmy married “his girl” Janice Belmonte on February 21, 1986; the couple bought a home in Wilmington where they raised two great kids Jimmy III and Jackie. Jimmy enjoyed spending time with his family; some of their favorite things were bowling, racing go carts, trips to Faneuil Hall in Boston and finding the “peanut guy” for those roasted peanuts he loved. Jimmy also looked forward to family trips to Lake Winnipesaukee, boating, the sun and sand on the beaches of Maine and he loved going out to eat.

Jimmy was a hard worker throughout his life and the owner/operator of JM Fitzpatrick Inc. Jimmy was a talented welder, repairman and mechanic who could diagnose and fix just about anything that had to do with trucks or equipment. Jimmy’s specialty was repairing and welding heavy duty equipment; a craft that he was top notch at. Jimmy made many friends in the industry and would go out of his way to help anyone in need.

Jimmy worked hard but he also loved to play hard; he use to build and race stock cars in New Hampshire and he loved the thrill of the competition. Jimmy enjoyed watching NASCAR with his family and friends and he loved to “hang out” after work with the guys. Jimmy had fun taking his kids Jimmy and Jackie or his nephew RJ for rides with him in his truck; anything to make the kids happy.

Jimmy will be fondly remembered for his “rough exterior”, sense of humor, and his pranks but inside he had a heart of gold and gave freely of his time and talents to anyone who needed help. Jimmy loved his family and friends unconditionally and gave his “cancer” one hell of a fight so that he could have more time with them. Jimmy has touched so many people throughout his life and he will forever live in their hearts.

Jimmy was the beloved husband of Janice M. (Belmonte) Fitzpatrick, devoted father of James M. Fitzpatrick III of Melrose and Jaclyn “Jackie” Fitzpatrick of Wilmington, cherished son of James M. Fitzpatrick of Brighton and Susan (Pfleger) Carmody & her husband Michael of Wilmington. Dear brother of the late Susan Fitzpatrick, Patsy Aprile & her husband Bob of York, ME, Michelle Minghella & her husband Mark, Deborah Fitzpatrick and Lois Daley & her husband Stephen all of Wilmington. Son-in-law of Evelyn Belmonte of Stoneham, brother-in-law of Susan & Richard Fay of Wellesley, Linda & Kenny Jones of Westminster, Barbara & Kevin Richards of Methuen and Elaine Welch of Woburn. Jimmy is also survived by his many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Friday, April 29th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA at 10:00 a.m. Jim’s family would like to invite all big trucks to join his procession from the Funeral Home to the Church. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, April 28th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc., 1661 Worcester Rd, Suite 205B, Framingham, MA 01701; this is a cause that is near and dear to Jim and his nephew RJ.