James Richard Fitzgerald

JR’s long hard battle of addiction has sadly come to an end. He fought and fought over and over again for his sobriety. He himself never wanted to give up but the heroine just kept calling him back time after time and unfortunately it finally won my son over and caused him to take his last breath on February 1, 2020. JR never hid the fact he was an addict, he wanted help, he went through treatments, detox, self detoxing, the 12 step program and so on but this drug is so powerful that it called him back to the city of Chicago where he took his final hit of the demon that took his life. As a mother, I never wanted to give up I was always searching and trying to save him. JR was kindhearted and always willing and wanting to help anyone he could, but sadly he couldn't save himself. JR loved his sisters so much especially playing monopoly with them. The family has had to show tough love to him but he knew he could always call and they would at least talk but he also knew he could always go home to mom when he was ready for a new start. Unfortunately, he has run out of starting over as the most feared phone call came in. JR may be perceived by some as nothing but a junkie who just couldn’t kick the habit but as family we can tell you he wanted nothing more than to be sober and get a fresh new beginning on life. He was once told life comes in three's, there is the beginning where you learn, the middle where you can fix it, and the the end where you can be free and enjoy. JR will never get to finish his third of his life but he could have written a book for all on his many life experiences. JR is now at peace and hopefully those who knew and loved him can see that the hurt is gone now for this loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and dear friend.

JR is survived by his loving mom Kimberly and step father Randy who raised him, his loving sisters Shannon(Joseph), Kristi, Kassidy, Kylee, Kelsey, and Katie, his grandparents Fred and Faye, John and Jan, and Beverly and Bud. His loving Uncle Brian(Robert), Uncle Mike and loving Aunt TT(Robert), niece, nephews, and cousins. His sponsor and close friends Dan, Joe, Mike, and Brandon along with his father James, and so many more that loved him endlessly.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 9, 2020, from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd. Highland, IN 46322, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations to the family would be appreciated.

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