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James Albert Fisher, Sr., affectionately known to his family and friends as "Jimmy", "Fats" and "Fish", passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2020.

James leaves seven children to cherish his memory; James Fisher Jr., Stanley Fisher, Christopher Fisher, all of Norfolk, VA, Eugene Fisher (Germaine) of Chantilly, VA; Jeri Fisher of Upper Marlboro, MD; Nina Robinson of Los Angeles, CA; and Tracee Fisher-Jarvis (Ray) of Manassas, VA. He also leaves a sister, Addie Mae Whitaker, Norfolk, VA and a brother, George Fisher of Ocoee, FL. Also, to cherish his memory are seven grandchildren; Terrel Fisher, Ebony Fisher, Ethan Anderson, Logan Anderson, Elisabeth Fisher, Jonathan Fisher and Moriah Fisher, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Cora Fisher, two children, Steven Fisher, and Anita Fisher-Hunt; a sister, Dorothy Batts, and four brothers; Alphonso Fisher, Joel Fisher, Julius Fisher, and Joseph Fisher.

James was born and raised in the Berkley section of Norfolk, VA on Monday, November 16, 1942, and was the youngest of seven children. Doted on by his older brothers and sisters, James was the loving baby boy of the family, tagging along with his big sister Addie and her husband to the Booker T. Washington drive-in, or traveling to New Jersey and New York to visit his big brothers Joel and George, or spending time with his loving brother, "Junie". He would also become known as, "cool Uncle James", and some of his nephews would later become his namesake. James was also a special husband, a caring father, and a dedicated grandfather.

Growing up, James was an active member of New Rising Sun Baptist Church in Norfolk, where he faithfully attended sunrise service, Sunday School, worship, and evening services. James was also a member of the young adult choir. Raised in a devout holiness family, his mother, Cora, impressed upon him the significance of having a relationship with the Lord; a relationship that he would never depart.

James was educated in Norfolk Public Schools. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High and continued his education at Norfolk State University. He enjoyed careers at prominent southern Virginia landmarks in the late 70's and early 80's, including Lerner Shops and Children's Hospital of The Kings Daughters, both in downtown Norfolk. For many years, James worked as a professional painter at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, in Portsmouth, VA, where he built life-long friends and colleagues.

In 1993, James moved his family from Virginia Beach, VA, to Fort Washington, Maryland, where he continued building his career at the United States Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. While working at the lab, James loved learning and perfecting his craft as a painter. He attended the Alexandria Academy of Fine Arts and Science, as well as the Art League, both located in Alexandria, VA. He later retired in 2014 with a top-secret security clearance, and during his 20 years of service, he received multiple awards for exemplary services provided to the federal government.

James loved spending time with family and friends, and he especially enjoyed watching the SyFy channel, westerns and his favorite sports team, the Dallas Cowboys. No matter the event, time or location, James would wear his Cowboys gear, complete with the hat, jacket and watch. If he encountered a Redskins fan, he would promptly share his disgust, trading fun trash talk, and quick-witted rebuttals for those cheering for the opposing team. Almost everyone he encountered fell in love with his funny personality, charm, knowledge of life, religion, music, politics and sports.

Visiting restaurants with friends on Fridays, and cooking were two of his favorite pastimes. Widely known for his skills in the kitchen, he enjoyed grilling and having family over for Sunday dinners and cookouts. Frying fish, steaming cabbage and perfecting his favorite Italian recipes by celebrity chefs, were amongst some of his favorite hobbies.

James shared everything he could with anyone he met. He enjoyed his life, loved his family, and most of all, loved his quiet peace with God. A wonderful and beautiful soul, who will be missed immensely, James will dwell forever in our hearts.

The family would like to thank you for sharing in this celebration of James Albert, and acknowledge all his friends, colleagues, and medical professionals that assisted him throughout his 77 years.