James Royal Fitzsimmons

James Royal Fitzsimmons, 92, entered eternity on October 31, 2026, due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease.

Jim was born on September 13, 1934, in Dixon, Illinois. He was the middle child, and only son, of Joseph “Roy” and Ethel Fitzsimmons. Growing up in Dixon, he participated in numerous sports, clubs, and activities. He worked for his father at the only men’s clothing store at the time – a store where Ronald Regan was known to purchase his suits. Jim went on to attend the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1956 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. While in college, he met Yvonne Hannan on a blind date. On October 10, 1959, they were united in marriage.

Jim began his career as a new graduate in 1956 at Micro Switch, a division of Honeywell, in Freeport, Illinois. He held numerous positions throughout his tenure and retired from Micro Switch in 1995 after 39 years of service. “Retired” was never a word that described Jim, who always had a plan, a project, and a problem to solve.

Jim is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and 3 sons: Michael (Elaine Chapin) of Glendale, CA, John (Vicki) of Johnson Creek, WI, and Daniel (Molly) of Dubuque, IA. Six grandchildren, Alex (Stacy) of Cedar Rapids. A.J. (Sarah) of Dubuque, IA, Lizzy (Sam Gilligan) of Iowa City, IA, Brynn Laurel of Tuscaloosa, AL, Eve of Madison, WI, Tessa of Johnson Creek, WI, and 2 great grandsons: Isaac and Owen of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his only daughter, Laurel Anne in 1977; his sisters, Lois Schrock and Jane Sheehan; his niece, Mary Kay Weber, and her son, Tyler; and his parents.

Jim has been an active member of the Freeport community since first moving to the town in 1956. As a member of St. Thomas Aquinas church, he has been a lector, usher, greeter, and Eucharistic Minister. Jim was an avid tennis player who followed the sport religiously and always welcomed a round of golf and the occasional fishing trip. Together with his beloved wife, Yvonne, Jim tended to a magnificent garden that frequently supplied up to half of their food supply. He was also a master sourdough bread maker, perfecting the craft long before sourdough became an internet trend. An insatiable reader, Jim often balanced multiple books at the same time alongside his favorite magazines and newspapers. Above all, Jim loved life’s simple pleasures: numerous travels through the US and abroad, good food, great wine, all kinds of music, the “Fighting Irish”, and entertaining his cherished family and friends.

Jim and Yvonne recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. He leaves an indelible legacy for his family, serving as an example of hard work, perseverance, fortitude, and commitment. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

A visitation will be held 9:30 am Wednesday November 11, 2026 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the entire team at Parkview for their exceptional and compassionate care. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to the physicians, nurses, support staff, and social workers at Freeport Memorial Hospital, as well as Mercy Health Hospice, for their unwavering support and comfort during this time.