James Lee Fitzsimmons

James Lee Fitzsimmons, 95, of New Martinsville, WV passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 5, 2026 surrounded by family. He was born on July 26, 1930, son of the late Vinton and Blanche Fitzsimmons. He grew up in Natrium, WV and was the oldest of three children.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Mary Hossman; brother, Roland Fitzsimmons; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Patty Hawkins; children, Pam Shreves and Scott Fitzsimmons; two grandsons, John Michael Fitzsimmons and Zachary Fitzsimmons.

He is survived by his wife of seventy-one years, Barbara (Hawkins) Fitzsimmons; two sons, Danny (Kay-Kay) Fitzsimmons of Friendly, WV and Michael Fitzsimmons of Sonora, KY; daughter, Lisa Fitzsimmons of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren, Jill (Reggie) Steele, JB Steele, Megan Ensigner, Lucas and Jacob Fitzsimmons; brother, Gregg (Carol) Hawkins of New Martinsville, WV; brother-in-law James Hossman of Wheeling, WV; sister-in-law, Margie Fitzsimmons in Glendale, WV and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lee worked at PPG for thirty-eight years and after retirement, he and Barbara bought a farm at the top of Doolin and began farming, raising cattle, planting gardens, and raising donkeys. Lee was an avid bird watcher and would feed birds all through the winter and in the spring would anxiously await the Purple Martins migrating from South America to stay in his Purple Martin condos, where they would raise their young and migrate back to South America sometime in August each year.

Lee was an avid hunter and fisherman, taking trips to Canada, the mountains and out west. He loved telling hunting and fishing stories to whoever would listen. He continued hunting every year and this past hunting season he bagged a buck.

He also loved to travel and spent time going out west on bus trips with Barbara. They enjoyed the trips and during one trip on Mackinac Island they rode a bicycle built for two around the island.

Lee took up walking later in life and spent time walking a number of half marathons. He would walk half marathons in Pittsburgh, Wheeling and Parkersburg. You would never know who would be walking with him any given day. He will be missed by family and friends. Lee has been a member of the Proctor Christian Church for over eighty years.

Friends received noon – 4 p.m., Sunday, February 8, 2026 at the Jarvis Williams Funeral Home, 1224 S Bridge St., New Martinsville, WV where services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, February 9, 2026 with dear friends, Jimmy and Sharon Colvin co-officiating. Burial to follow in Northview Cemetery in New Martinsville, WV.

Memorial contributions may be made, in Lee’s memory, to the Wetzel County Animal Shelter, 399 Mollohan Dr., New Martinsville, WV 26155.

Expression of sympathy may be made www.jarvisfuneralhomes.com.