Jim FitzPatrick

W. James “Jim” FitzPatrick, 91, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, marking the end of a life lived to the fullest. Born in Bayonne, NJ, Jim was the eldest of five boys born to Walter and Catherine FitzPatrick. Raised in Ramsey, NJ, Jim graduated from Don Bosco Prep High School and Pace University and served his country with the United States Army before embarking on a lifelong career in the garment business. FitzPatrick, Inc, produced nuns’ habits and other types of uniforms. He and his brothers then created Alexandria, Inc, which designed and produced women’s clothing for department and specialty stores.

In 1965 he wed the love of his life, Carole, after wooing his bride-to-be with everything from nights at the opera to fall Sunday afternoons at the Polo Grounds and Giants Stadium. Together they raised four children in Saddle River, NJ.  Jim served for many years as the chairman of Saddle River's Zoning Board, working to help the town's property owners and preserve the rural character of the borough.  Jim and Carole continued their adventures with trips around the world, from Asia to the Amazon, and spent many summers in Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ and winters on the slopes at Bromley Mountain, VT, often surrounded by immediate and extended family. He also enjoyed spending time on the golf course and with Carole tending their gardens.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ed “Neil” FitzPatrick, his grandson Tommy FitzPatrick, and is survived by his beloved wife, Carole. Loving father of Meg Mehos and her husband, Steve, Dan FitzPatrick and his wife, Maria, Maura Simon and Andrew FitzPatrick and his wife, Christine. Devoted grandfather to Alexandra, Charlie, Luke, Liam, Jack and Sophie, and step grandchildren Olivia and Christopher. Dear brother of John, Paul and Robert.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Vander Plaat Funeral Home at 257 Godwin Ave. in Wyckoff, NJ on Friday, September 5 from 4:00-8:00 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Church of St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church, 88 E. Saddle River Rd. in Saddle River, NJ on Saturday, September 6 at 10:00 am, followed by internment at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Tommy Strong Foundation (TommyStrong.org).

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