James "Jim" Fortier

On June 21st 2020, James Fortier, husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away at his home at the age of 83.

Jim was born to James and Mary (Potocek) Fortier in 1937 and raised on the South Side of Chicago.  He attended Saint Clare of Montefalco Elementary and Middle School, and Saint Rita of Cascia High School.  He received his Metallurgical Engineering Degree from The University of Illinois and worked at the US Steel plants in Gary Indiana. He later received his MBA and worked in Information Technology for a number of Fortune 500 companies.

Jim raised and loved two children, Laura and Brett.  Jim met Marlys Sperger, his wife, in 1982, and married Marlys in 2000. They have been together for 38 years.

Jim had many interests and hobbies.  He was a true Chicago sports fan following the Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, and Bulls.  He loved movies, especially foreign movies and film noir.   He loved Formula One Racing. He had a passion for Photography and authored a number of photobooks and photo websites. Jim’s interest in people, culture, nature, and photography took him all over the world, traveling with his wife to over forty countries.   Jim authored “63rd and Western”, a memoir which is a compilation of his life’s experiences and the shared experiences of his family, friends, associates, and fellow travelers.

Jim lived an active life but also liked to just hang out, sipping Scotch while reflecting on the moments of life.  “Joie de Vivre”, The Joy of Life, as the French would say, is a motto Jim loved and lived.

Jim is survived by his wife Marlys Sperger, daughter Laura (Scott), son Brett (Cassandra), grandchildren Madison and Taylor, cat Katla, extended family and many friends.

Jim will be cremated at Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home in Prescott, Arizona.  A celebration of life will be held for Jim at a time and place to be announced.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org.