Jack Fitzsimons

Jack was born John Joseph Fitzsimons on July 26, 1934 in Santa Monica California. His Irish parents were born in Los Angeles (John Richard) and Montreal (Evelyn). John and Evelyn worked in film and eventually for the studios; the family lived in Studio City. Jack had an older sister Pat and a younger brother Terry, who preceded him in death. Younger sister Rosaleen survives him.

Jack was part of the second graduating class of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks in 1952. He joined the Navy, spending most of two years, sailing as far away as Hawaii and the Aleutians. He took advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at Loyola University of Los Angeles. On St. Patrick’s Day of 1955, he met the love of his life, Virginia Bierman, on a blind date. They were engaged exactly one year later, and married on Thanksgiving Day of 1956.

Jack and Virginia wasted no time starting a family, welcoming Michael in November of 1957. John followed in 1960, with Diane close behind in 1961. Patrick rounded out the family in 1968.

Jack graduated from Loyola in 1958 and went to work in sales, his lifelong vocation. There he had a chance to make a living using the charm and friendliness for which he is known. He started out selling bags to farmers, then TVs to hospitals. The latter took him for a year to Chicago with three small children. They returned to the LA area and settled in to Rossmoor at the start of 1963.

Jack worked for IBM and CSC selling computer timesharing and doing training, among other things. He later landed at Eye Encounter, where he helped build the small company significantly. He eventually migrated to company ownership of small companies involved with computer systems in hospitals, from which he eventually retired. Along the way he learned how to take a company public, a source of pride.

Jack worked hard so that Virginia could be a full-time mom. He was involved with St. Hedwig’s baseball on the board and as an umpire. He was a solid driveway basketball player and a constant baseball practice dad. When his children were older, he returned to playing golf. He got his best exercise as an avid racquetball player. He enjoyed Dodger and Ram season tickets for many years.

Jack practiced his faith in conventional and unconventional ways. He prayed the rosary daily with Virginia. He was an active St. Hedwig parishioner for 60 years, a lector for many of the latter years. He put a lot of energy into making Catholic Men’s Fellowship important in the parish. He was a mentor to many, in and out of the church environment. He went above and beyond in his work in the Prison Ministry. Humble in his Faith, he put himself out there and spent decades visiting local jails. He even became a key friend to two different prisoners sentenced to decades in the California Penal System, visiting several prisons across the state.

Jack’s biggest joy was, of course, his family. He was ever proud of his wife, four children, 13 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He loved being Papa and Papa OG, and loved to play with his little visitors.

Jack lived through significant physical difficulties with an amazing attitude. He was a model for us all.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the

Diocese of Orange’s Detention Ministry

https://www.rcbo.org/ministry/restore/

Or to Precious Life Shelter

https://www.preciouslifeshelter.org/

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401