James E. “Jimmy” Fitzwater, 43, of Parsons died at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at Labette Health. He had been in his usual health, and death was unexpected.

He was born March 20, 1967, in Parsons to James D. and Marie (Martin) Fitzwater. He grew up in Parsons, where he attended schools and was a graduate of Parsons High School.

In earlier years, he worked at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center and was a truck driver for Swift Trucking Co. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator by Labette County.

He was a member of Big Hill Bass Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to dirt track races and playing Wiffle golf. He especially enjoyed spending time with his two sons, family and friends.

He married Charlene Weldon in 1989. They later divorced.

He married Melanie Burke in 2004. She survives.

Additional survivors include his mother, Marie Fitzwater of Parsons; two sons, Josh Fitzwater and Morgan Fitzwater, both of the home in Parsons; two stepchildren, April Queen and Nathan Queen, both of Parsons; a brother, Richard Fitzwater and his wife, Mary Jo, of Parsons; a sister, Cherie Curtis and her husband, Byron, of Parsons; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James D. Fitzwater, in 1988.

The service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 to 8 p.m. today.

Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.