James “Jim” Edward Fischer, 84, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on November 5, 1941, in Faribault, Minnesota, the son of Edward and Mabel (Friesen) Fischer.

Jim grew up in Kenyon, Minnesota, and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1959. He went on to attend Mankato State University, earning a degree in social work and business. During his college years, he married, Judith Diane Haugen, also of Kenyon. Together they raised three daughters: Julie, Jeanne, and Jo.

Jim began his career in Duluth, Minnesota, working as a social worker. He later moved to Austin, Minnesota, where he served as Executive Director of the Minnesota Sheriffs Youth Programs, a role he dedicated himself to for 32 years. On February 23, 1979, he married Monica Lee Storrs in Hopkins, Minnesota. After relocating to Florida, Jim continued his lifelong commitment to service as Director for Habitat for Humanity of Lake and Sumter Counties, where he worked for an additional 12 years.

Jim loved to travel and especially cherished his annual deer-hunting trips to Colorado. He was a proud member of the National Association of Homes for Children and the Minnesota Child Care Association.

Jim is survived by his wife, Monica Lee (Storrs) Fischer, of New Smyrna Beach, FL; his daughters Julie Fischer, Jeanne Fischer (David Hofland) of Minneapolis, Jo (Marvin) Schmitt of Shakopee; and step-daughter Nicole (Todd) Miller of Blaine. He is also survived by five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his brother Richard (Anita) Fischer of Austin, his sister Janice Fischer (Mike Enter) of Yuma, AZ, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mabel Fischer of Kenyon.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kenyon, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Cemetery in rural Kenyon.

Memorials are preferred to Habitat for Humanity in Leesburg, Florida, or to a charity of your choice.

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