James A. Fern

April 8, 1947 - May 1, 2021

James A. Fern, 74 of Orlando Florida passed away on Saturday May 1, 2021. Jim was born in Chicago, IL in 1947. He attended St. Willibrord Catholic School in the Roseland neighborhood and was known as “Sugar” by his closest friends. He was proud of his hometown of Chicago and his “South Side” Irish heritage. Jim joined the United States Armed Forces in 1964, where he served in the Army followed later by the Navy. He married the love of his life in 1975. He spent 30 years as a resident of Thornton, IL where he was named The Honorary Street Captain of Sunnyside Avenue. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Diane and his children, Nicole (Michael Weston) and Christian. He will be fondly remembered by his 6 grandchildren. He was the beloved brother-in-law, uncle and friend of many. Jim had a love for all Chicago sports teams and Notre Dame. After moving to Orlando, he joined the Orlando Chicago Bears Fan Club to continue rooting for his favorite team. Jim was a member of Post 286 American Legion Pine Castle, FL and a proud member of Local 11 Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers for the past 50 years. Jim spent the last 15 years of retirement working at Universal Studios Orlando.