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James H. "Jim" Fitzkee, known to his family as "Gramps", 91 of York passed away on March 3, 2018.  He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy I. (Gibson) Fitzkee.  He was then the loyal companion of Leona Deardorff for the last 13 years.

Born September 13, 1926, he was the son of the late John and Annie E. (Elfner) Fitzkee.

Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII.  He fought in Germany and was awarded the WWII Victory Ribbon for his efforts defending the United States and defeating the Axis Powers.  His specialty was airplane crew chief.  Also, he was a 4 ^th grade technician in the 3 ^rd Infantry Artillery Division.  After being honorably discharged, he worked at General Telephone in York for 23 years.  In 1966, he retired from the phone company and went into the family business with his wife "Dot" and together they owned and operated Gibson's Food Market in Yoe until 1983.  Jim was also very active at Red Lion Senior Center, and a long-time dedicated member of Yoe United Methodist Church.

He will be fondly remembered as a man who loved his friends and family, and known for his pumpkin pies and fruit cakes.  He enjoyed eating out, and never missed remembering birthdays or special occasions of loved ones.  He lived a life of gratitude and service, and always commented how blessed he was to be a part of so many families.  His loved ones extend a special thank you to Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice and the other loving caregivers.

In addition to his companion, Leona, Jim is survived by his daughter, Audrey Knudson of York; 4 grandchildren: Karen Ruhnke of Reading, Cathy Pendergast (Tom) of York, James Contino (Wendy) of York and John Contino (Megan) of Naples, FL; 5 great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Tammaro of Malvern,  James Herrold of York, Mary Pendergast of Arlington, VA, Anthony Contino of Naples, FL and Peyton Massey of Naples, FL; 2 great-great grandchildren: Jack Tammaro and June Tammaro.

In addition to his wife and parents, Jim was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Andrea Hoffmaster.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of James Fitzkee will be held on Thursday, March 8 ^th at 11:30 am at Christ United Methodist Church; 81 N. Main St.; Yoe, PA 17313.  A time to share memories and an opportunity to view will be held before the service, from 10am until 11:30 at the church.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the church at the above address.

Services are under the direction of Austin H. Eberly Funeral Home, Inc., Dallastown, PA.