FRANKLIN, N.J. – James G. Fitzsimmons Jr., a lifetime resident of Sussex County, N.J., died Sunday, May 9, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Newark, N.J. the son of James G. and Lillian ( Corbett ) Fitzsimmons. He completed elementary school and high school in Franklin, N.J. He was employed by the New Jersey Zinc Company of Franklin prior to attending college. James graduated from Montclair State College and attained graduate degrees from William Paterson College, the University of Oklahoma, and Columbia University.

He served in the U.S. Army Infantry attaining the rank of Staff Sargeant during the Berlin Crisis. Upon discharge, he joined the Army Reserve where he took officer training attaining the rank of First Lieutenent. He was employed as a professor of geography and education at William Paterson College until 1996. He also taught at Kinnelon High School, Teachers’ College Columbia University, Hunter College, Kean College, Montclair State College and the University of Oklahoma.

He traveled extensively throughout Alaska as a photographer and researcher of Eskimo culture and Arctic Environments. He also earned a Fulbright Scholar award to travel and study in China. He was a published photographer and writer for New Jersey Outdoors Magazine and the New York State Conservationist Magazine. He had a college text published which he co-authored titled “Outlook New Jersey” and he also published for the National Council for geographic Education.

He was a Hunter Education Instructor in archery, rifle and shotgun for the Division of New Jersey Fish, Game, and Wildlife for fifteen years. He was a member of the American Legion of Franklin, N.J. and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vernon Post 8441. He was a member of the Vernon Ambulance Squad and the Glenwood-Pochuck Ambulance Corps.

He is survived by his son, James Fitzsimmons and wife, Shannon of Lisbon; sister, Janice Fitzsimmons of Hamburg, N.J. and brother, Dennis Fitzsimmons of Newtown, Conn.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ellen J. ( Francey ) Fitzsimmons in 1991.