Obituary of James Louis Fossenkemper
James "Jim" Louis Fossenkemper
Born in Richmond, Indiana in 1936, James (Jim) Fossenkemper passed away peacefully on July 16, 2021 after a long struggle with failing health. Jim is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Patricia (Miller) Fossenkemper, who was the girl next door of his childhood. Engaged in the 1950s, they would part before marrying and go their separate ways. Reunited again in 1983, after both had divorced, they renewed their relationship and finally married “the love of their lives.” He is also survived by his children from his first marriage, Susan and James Jr. Fossenkemper of Arizona, and his grandchildren by James Jr., Jamie and Jesse Fossenkemper. Jim was preceded in death by parents William and Helen of Tucson, Arizona and also survived by his younger brother Allen Fossenkemper of Fountain Hills, Arizona.
Jim was a sports enthusiast at a very early age, playing basketball and baseball in junior high and high school. He also loved to fish and hunt, and in his later years began to “perfect” his golf game. Jim passed on his love for sports to his children by playing an active role in their baseball, football, softball and golf as both a coach and motivator.
Jim joined the Navy after high school and served four years as an aircraft technician assigned to Navy blimps. He was severely injured in an accident while on duty and was hospitalized for many months. After his discharge, he moved back to Richmond, but later felt the call to “go west, young man,” moving to Arizona in the 1960s. Jim worked for most of his adult life in the aerospace industry, which took him from Arizona to Alabama and finally Ohio. Retiring in the early 2000s, he and his bride lived in Nashport, Ohio just outside of Zanesville. With both in failing health and at the urging of Pat’s daughter, Sheila Muckridge, the couple sold their beloved home in Nashport and relocated to Sheila’s welcome home just outside of Portland, Oregon. It was there that Jim passed away peacefully with his wife by his side.
James Louis Fossenkemper was a strong willed and honest man. He will be missed.
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