Graveside service for Retired Army, First Sergeant, James Michael Fitzanko age 82, of rural Snyder, Oklahoma will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Fort Sill National Cemetery, 2648 NE Jake Dunn Road, Elgin, Oklahoma, 73538, with Lay speaker, Sarahsue Coughenaur officiating.  Services are under the direction of Jackson Funeral Home of Frederick, Oklahoma.  Mr. Fitzanko passed away Monday evening, December 30, 2024, at his home.

James Michael "Jim" Fitzanko was born November 23, 1942, in Pekin, Illinois, to James Michael and Wilma (Smith) Fitzanko.  He attended school in Pekin, Illinois.  On April 16, 1975, he entered the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam Conflict. He later discharged from the Army, prior to reenlisting for the convenience of the Government and returning to Vietnam. Jim received the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Services Ribbon (2nd Award), Expert Marksmanship, Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar, Master Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.

On October 30, 1987, he and Elke Marie Dermuhl were united in marriage in Belton, Texas. James Michael Fitzanko was discharged from the United States Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on March 31, 1996, at the rank First Sergeant.  He was a member of the Methodist Church of Manitou, Oklahoma

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Elke Fitzanko of the home; one step-daughter, Sandra Winkler and her husband Chris of Germany; four grandchildren, Jessica, Vanessa, Andy, and Micheal of Germany; one brother, Steven Fitzanko and his wife Coleen of Pekin, Illinois; one sister, Anna Mansch of Shawnee, Oklahoma; one sister-in-law, Charlotte Fitzanko of Galesburg, Illinois; and a special friend, Sarah Coughenour of Manitou, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Michael Fitzanko; his mother, Wilma Hagemeier; and one brother, Larry Fitzanko.