James Fitz

James B. Fitz (Jim), 79, of Melbourne, Iowa, passed away on the morning of Friday, May 12, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Jim was born spring 1938, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Eugene and Hazel (Wehrman) Fitz. He was raised and educated in Van Cleve. He was proud of having played on the Van Cleve basketball and baseball teams. After graduating from Van Cleve High School, Jim went on to Iowa State University for one year, leaving to join his father to manage the family farm full time. Jim married Helen Donaldson in Marshalltown in fall of 1959. From this union four children were born: Michael, Margaret, Eric and Mary. Jim enjoyed photography and was a charter member of the Central Iowa Camera Club and entered photos in the Iowa State Fair. He was a member of the Heart of Iowa Telephone Cooperative, the County Conservation Board, and he enjoyed his family, bowling, camping, and college sports. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Helen Fitz; children, Michael Fitz, Margaret Nelson, Eric (Pam) Fitz and Mary Fitz; grandchildren, Grant (Emily) Fitz, Aaron Fitz, Benjamin (Eliza) Fitz, Tom Nelson, Cathy Nelson, Elliott Fitz, Lauren Supak and Miranda Supak; great- grandchild, James Richard Fitz; and brother, Dr. Earl (Julie) Fitz. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Hazel Fitz; brothers, Eugene Fitz Jr., William Fitz and Jack Fitz; sister, Dr. Annette Fitz and grandson, Benjamin Scott Nelson. Public visitation for Jim will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, where his family will be present to greet friends. Memorial contributions may be directed in Jims name to his family who will be designating them between Iowa River Hospice and the County Conservation Board. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for James and his family.