James Donald FitzGerald, 72, of Urbana, formerly of Manson, IA died Saturday, at Carle Foundation Hospital (Dec. 27, 2014). He was born September 23, 1942 in Monticello, IA, the son of Maurice and Jeanette FitzGerald (Vetter). He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jeannette (nee Rickard), of Urbana; Daughter Mary (Wade) Thweatt, and son Mike (Shelly) FitzGerald all of Tolono, four grandchildren Courtney Eaglen, Riley FitzGerald, Danielle and Cassandra Thweatt, and two great-grandchildren Liam and Nolan, as well as many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He attended schools in Manson, IA. After graduation he worked on the family farm and attended Omaha University majoring in horticulture. He entered the Air Force as a member of the 133rd Air Vac branch of 459th maintenance squadron. He served in Vietnam and was based in Germany as an aircraft technician. After an honorable discharge he was a manager at Earl May Garden Center in Cedar Falls, IA for seven years, then the owner of FitzGerald's Garden Shop in Manson, IA for seven years before moving to Urbana, IL to manage Wandell's Nursery for two years. In recent years he worked for First National Bank and the Champaign County Correctional Department.

He is a lifetime member, and former commander, of the American Legion Post 71 as well as a lifetime member of the VFW Post 630 both in Urbana., IL. Jim was proud of his ten years of sobriety and an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous Friendship Circle, and an avid sports fan who always cheered for the Cardinals, Bears and Illini.

Services will begin with a viewing on Tuesday December 30, 2014 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana from 4-6pm, and will be immediately followed with a memorial service. Military rites will be accorded by the Urbana American Legion Post #71. His remains will be cremated with scattering to occur at his family farm in Manson, Iowa at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for distribution to charities of his choice. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.