FIEDLER, James T., Sr.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Tuesday, March 4, 2003 James T. Fiedler Sr., 98, of Phoenix, Arizona passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 1, 2003, in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on Sept. 22, 1904 in Baltimore, Maryland. He moved to Phoenix, in August, 1946, with his wife and two children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Anna L. Fiedler, brothers, John Fiedler and Joseph Fiedler (New Jersey) and sisters, Mary Cochran, Margaret Fiedler, Irene Hawn, Clara Simpson, Helen Kimo (all of New Jersey) and sister, Alice Boyd of Mesa, Arizona. He is survived by brother, Benjamin Fiedler and wife, Ann (New Jersey), daughter, Lorraine D. Natalino and husband Anthony, of Phoenix and son, James T. Fiedler, Jr. and wife, Charlene of Mesa, 3 grandchildren, Anthony Natalino, Jr., and wife Renee', Donata Natalino and Annette Ratliff and husband, Michael, all of Phoenix. He is also survived by 3 great grandchildren, Michael Ratliff Jr., Nicole Ratliff and Brian Johnson, all of Phoenix. Prior to moving to Arizona, Jim worked as a spray painter at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and was often called upon to paint inside submarine torpedo tubes, inside gun turrets and other cramped spaces. He was small in stature, but his heart was as big as the outdoors he loved. He worked on numerous fund-raising banquets for Ducks Unlimited, Anglers United and The Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, Inc. Working with Anglers United, he helped to build and locate fish habitat in Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake. He attended many bighorn sheep waterhole developments over a span of 20 years and worked jobs as varied as jack-hammer helper, rock hauling, dam building and cook. He was known for his quick smile and willing helpfulness, and will be missed around the campfires by all who knew him. He worked in outdoor advertising, and retired from Eller Outdoor advertising company in 1972. He was a life member of the Painter's and Decorator's Union #548. Donations in lieu of flowers may be given to The Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, Inc., P.O. Drawer 7545, Phoenix, Arizona 85011 or Hospice of the Valley. 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Wednesday, March 5, 2003, Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix. Services will be held at 9AM, Thursday, March 6, 2003, Hansen Mortuary. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.