Tributes

Fitzsimmons, James F. “Fitz”, 84, of N. Main Street, New Martinsville, WV, died Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at Wetzel County Hospital, New Martinsville. He was born May 29, 1924 in Wetzel County, WV, the son of the late Fred O. and Roxie Cross Fitzsimmons. He was a retired news bureau chief and reporter for Ogden Newspapers, including the Wetzel Democrat, Wetzel Republican, and Wheeling Newspaper; a member of the New Martinsville United Methodist Church; and a U.S. Army veteran of WWII. Fitz was very active in community affairs, which included Board of Trustees of Wetzel County Hospital, Wetzel County Hospital Foundation, President of the Wetzel County Historical Society; Magnolia High School Boosters Life Achievement Selection Committee, Morning Lions Club (past president), West Virginia Northern Community College Friends of the College (past president), and Board Member of Helping Hand Community Food Pantry (co-director and volunteer). Past community service includes member of the Wetzel County Board of Education for 19 years (twice president), past president of the New Martinsville Chamber of Commerce, curator of the Wetzel County Museum, and a recipient of the “Citizen of the Year” award. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Jean Oblinger Fitzsimmons; and a brother, Glen Fitzsimmons. Survivors include three daughters, Lois (David) Morford of Parkersburg, WV, Terri (John) Goddard and Jamie (David) Benson, both of New Martinsville; ten grandchildren, Ben Tuel, Andy Tuel, Joanna Kozel, Jim Morford, Shae Benson, Cameron Benson, Hannah Benson, Samantha Lowery, Stephanie Goddard, and Heather Goddard; and four great grandchildren. Family will receive friends on Friday from 2-8pm at the New Martinsville United Methodist Church, 10 Howard Jeffers Drive, New Martinsville, where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00pm with Pastor Paul Mateer and Pastor Ren? Wilt officiating. Interment in Greenlawn Memorial Park, New Martinsville. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hand, c/o Barbara Powell, 738 Maple Avenue, New Martinsville, WV 26155 or to Wetzel County Historical Society, c/o Fred Wilcox, 449 Eliza Street, New Martinsville, WV 26155.