James "Jim" Fischer, 91 of Columbus passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 7, 2022. He was born June 27, 1931 in Columbus, Ohio, son of the late Cedric and Hilda Fischer. Jim married his loving wife of 33 years Nancy Mae in 1957. Nancy preceded him in death on October 13, 1990. He is also preceded in death by his 4 sisters Mildred, Norma Rossenberry, Ruth Lambert, Joyce (Hector) DeLarnay; 3 brothers Robert, Richard, Warren "Ralph" Fischer. He is survived by his brother Ronald Fischer, many nieces and nephews.
Jim is also survived by his two loving daughters, Kim Pilkington, of Columbus and Christy Pritchard, (Tom) of Westerville Ohio; grandchildren Tyler (Loren) Pilkington, of Westerville OH, Kate Thomas Pilkington, of Columbus OH, Macy Mae and Marshall Thomas Pritchard of Westerville OH. He is also survived by his 3 great grandchildren, Dean Lewis and Wesley James Pilkington of Westerville OH and Lily Mae Thomas of Columbus, OH. Jim loved his family and will be greatly missed by many friends and family.
Jim was a Korean War veteran and served in the US army. After his service, he worked for Atlas Industrial Contractors and traveled around the United States building television and radio towers that were hundreds of feet tall before settling in Columbus where he worked on buildings and bridges. He was a member of the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornametal Iron Workers for over 40 years.
He was a long time resident of Minerva Park where Nancy and he raised their family and shared many fond memories. They were active in the community serving on many committees and were honored as Grand Marshalls for the 4th of July parade. Jim was awarded the outstanding citizen of the park designation recognizing him for his contributions to improving the quality of life in Minerva Park. Something that he continued to do for many, many years.
Jim grew up working in his father's garage at a very early age and enjoyed all things automotive. He knew the cars of the 40's and 50's like no other. He took this love in a new direction and got into hydroplane boat racing. He was crew chief and transportation manger for John Shewbrooks Racing and then Team Newman Racing. He was involved in winning many national championships and 6 US Grand championships traveling both the East and West coasts.
Jim was known for telling stories and sharing life lessons. He would do anything to help those he loved. He enjoyed a good "papperoni" pizza with a pitcher of beer and got a kick out of watching the Buckeyes play football. He was a resident at Inniswood Village in Westerville Ohio where he was known for his quick wit and sense of humor.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 14 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43231. A private burial service with be Thursday, December 15 for the immediate family.
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