James Ernest Fish Jr.

FISH, James Ernest Jr., Age 80. James Fish of Bonita Springs, Florida (formally of Melrose, MA, Norwood MA, and East Greenwich, RI). James (“Jim”) was called from this life on January 17, 2015, after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Dr. James E. Fish Sr. and Josephine Wood Fish of Wellesley, MA. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Oksana Fish (née Bossy), who was at his side when he passed into eternal life. He leaves behind his devoted children Joanna Hill, Maria Renear, Tatiana Siegel, James Fish, Peter Fish and Jon Fish and their spouses. He also is survived by his sister Barbara Steward of New London, NH; five adoring grandchildren who loved his playful nature and doting attention; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews who fondly remember idyllic summers he shared on Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire. Jim began his life in Boston. He graduated from Albany Academy in New York and Harvard University, where he received a B.A. in Economics in 1957 and served two years in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program and was commissioned captain upon graduation. He later received an M.B.A. from Babson College and earned a C.P.A. while employed as an auditor at Coopers & Lybrand. His career then took him to L.G. Balfour Company in Attleboro, MA, where he rose to Chief Financial Officer. He concluded his career as Vice President of Finance and Treasurer at Arkwright Company in Fiskeville, RI. Throughout his life, Jim was active in sports and encouraged in his children a great love for his favorite game of all, hockey. Always devoted and dependable, he spent many frigid nights and early mornings icing a makeshift rink he built each winter in his backyard in Norwood. After retiring and moving to the Highland Woods community in Bonita Springs, Jim became an avid golfer and enjoyed tee times with his friends. He is remembered by all for his quick wit, gentlemanly manner, candor and, most of all, his moral character. Jim was blessed to enjoy a long and satisfying life, loved and admired by his family and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Naples, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services and Autism Speaks. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

James Ernest Fish Jr.

May 24, 1934 - January 17, 2015