Rockport - Rockport - James (Jimmy) Vance Fritz, 71, of Rockport, MA, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Gloucester on September 13, 1953, to James Robert and Phemie Louise Fritz, Jimmy graduated from Rockport High School in 1971. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord and later studied at Westfield State College.

A proud lifelong resident of Cape Ann, Jimmy spent much of his career working as both a lobsterman and a skilled carpenter. He built the home where he and Annemarie raised their family and was a go-to helping hand for countless friends, neighbors, and relatives when it came to home projects. As a lobsterman out of Pigeon Cove Harbor, the waters of Cape Ann were where he found peace, solitude, and purpose. He often brought friends and family out on the boat—sometimes to fish, sometimes just for the joy of a boat ride and time together on the water.

Jimmy was a true neighborhood father—his door was always open, his laugh always nearby. Known for his quick wit (...some may label this sarcasm), warm spirit, and endless stories, he had a gift for conversation and made friends easily—he didn't just have best friends, he had many. His sense of humor carried through even the toughest times, and his signature whistle—recognized by all who knew him—never failed to bring joy.

He found happiness in life's simple pleasures: swimming with his children at Steele Derrick, blueberry picking across Cape Ann, and camping with his family in the woods of Jamaica, VT. After retiring, he cherished his role as a grandfather and spending unhurried time with those he loved most. He was a great cook, a lover of music and philosophy, and, above all, a devoted family man.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife, Annemarie Fritz; his children, Ginger Fritz and her husband Thiago Paixao, with their children Miley, Theo, and Aria; Emily Fritz and her husband Dan Tardiff, with their son Jacob; and Jack Fritz. He is also survived by his siblings: Patricia Fotter and her husband Carlton, Robert Fritz, Sara Martin, Mary Lister, David Fritz, Debra Maan, Herman Fritz, and Georgia Smith. He was predeceased by his sister Linda Fritz. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, his extended in-laws, and a wide circle of cherished family friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jimmy's memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Jimmy's memory will be honored at a celebration of life on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the Elks of Gloucester, 97 Atlantic Rd #101, Gloucester, MA.