James "Uncle Bubba" Voiles Fitzpatrick
|
James "Uncle Bubba" Voiles Fitzpatrick
January 19, 1925 - July 27, 2016
James Voiles “Uncle Bubba” Fitzpatrick,
91, of Beaumont, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in his home.
He was born on January 19, 1925, in Beaumont, to Rose Alice Gallaher
Fitzpatrick and James H. Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick graduated
from Kirwin High School (now Ball High), in Galveston, in May of 1943. As a
World War II veteran, he served as a Sergeant in the United States Army as Tec
5 in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operation, where he was awarded a Bronze
Star, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, a Victory Medal and
three Overseas Service Bars. After WWII,
Fitzpatrick served in the Enlisted Reserve Cops of the United States Army and
was called to active duty during the Korean War where he served his country
until 1951.
Fitzpatrick began his
career at U.S. Steel prior to WWII and returned to the company after years of
service in the U.S. Army. After retiring from U.S. Steel he tirelessly served
the Beaumont community and his family.
He was passionate about
his faith, family, everything Fine Arts, humor, gardening and fitness. Fitzpatrick served as a Docent at the
Beaumont Museum of Art, a long-time volunteer at Christus St. Elizabeth
Hospital and St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. His many contributions to the
community and generous, loving spirit will long be remembered by all who knew
him, especially the family members he leaves behind.
Fitzpatrick is survived
by sixteen nieces and nephews in the Russell and Edwards’ families of Stowell,
Texas; twenty six great-nieces and nephews; and eleven great-great nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in
death by his parents; and sisters, Yvonne Fitzpatrick Edwards and Rose Marie
Fitzpatrick Russell.
A gathering of Mr.
Fitzpatrick’s family and friends will be from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.,
Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass
of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2016,
at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, with his interment
to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont. Pallbearers
will be Barrett Law, Cade Russell, Dean Kennemer, John William Schneider,
Porter Edwards, and Mayes Middleton.
|
