J. David Fitzsimons

J. David Fitzsimons was born in San Bernardino, California on November 25, 1931, to Raymond
and Eva Fitzsimons. He was the youngest of four siblings, who included Mollie, Doris and
Ray, Jr. Dave grew up in Ontario, California, graduating from Chaffey High School in 1949.
After attending community college, he joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and was
assigned to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi for Radio Technology School. Dave was
later stationed on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska during the Korean War, finishing his service in
1955. The University of Redlands conferred a degree in Government in 1959, which was
followed by a BA in Foreign Trade from The American Institute of Foreign Trade in 1961.
Early educational goals met, Dave turned to starting a family. In 1964 he married Barbara Erwin
in Oxnard, California, and they had two children, Joan and Katherine.
He then enrolled in Cal Western School of Law, receiving his JD degree in 1967.
In 1972 Dave was lured away from a thriving private law practice in Moorpark, California to
accept the challenge as the Assistant City Attorney of Modesto, California.
He later reignited his passion for continuing education, attending the
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California, and received a
Master of Divinity degree in 1984. Dave worked as an attorney for the City of Industry until
2000, but felt the call to further his education and exploration. Returning to school, Dave
received his Doctor of Ministry from the Azusa Pacific University Haggard School of Theology in
2010, based on his evaluation of The Spiritual Formation and The Restoration of Israel.
In recent years, he was blessed to be supported by his church family at the
United Methodist Church of Laverne, California.
Dave is survived by his children, Joan (Dave) and Katherine (Brian), and his grandchildren,
Sophia and Annabelle. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings.
Dave will be remembered for his dry, Fitzsimons sense of humor, for being a lifelong seeker of
knowledge, and as a devout believer in Christ.
Donations can be made in his name to the California Veterans Home, where he received
exceptional and devoted care.
Veterans Home of California - West Los Angeles
Donations – Resident Services
11500 Nimitz Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90049