June 20, 2023

Hey Anne it’s David again, I just wanted to let u know that I completed the promise I gave me fiora witch was graduating I still think about him and the talks he gave me everyday , I hope your doing well much love – David Zapata

March 02, 2020

Dear Ann,     I heard the news yesterday and was so shocked and sorry. I regret that I never  knew Jim. I think I only met him once. It sounds like he was a phenomenal human being, judging by how well he treated people, and how well loved he was. I can’t imagine your pain in such a sudden loss of your young and vibrant husband. Ann, I’m thinking about and praying for you and Jim, with much love.
Jeanne Esposito
 

March 01, 2020

If any man deserves a standing ovation at his funeral, it is Jim Fiora. Thank you, Lou Corsetti. 
 
Little did we know 13 years ago that the home we bought was adjacent to the honorable Mayor of Grandview Heights. Would we still have bought had we known? Debatable. 😉
 
As hard as I try to not take a thing for granted, I could never imagine a summer without Jim on his porch, twisting my arm to share a beer with him. As we all well know, Jim had a nickname for just about everyone. A few years back, my husband gave Jim his own nickname: Summertime Jim. Yes, Jim so loved teaching, but anyone in Grandview can attest to his extra special presence during the summer months. Thinking ahead to a summer without Jim and his beautiful smile, boisterous laugh, and hilarious yet never-ending conversation is unbearable.
 
Our children have known and loved Jim all their lives. What a gift to love and have been loved by him. Our son so loved Jim that he drew him so beautifully in his card to Ann that she chose to display it alongside Jim at the funeral. An incredible honor. 
 
Jim, did you know how fiercely you were loved by so many? Our hearts are shattered and we will miss you all the days of our lives. I hope it is Summertime forever for you now.
 
The Benson Family 

February 29, 2020

When I arrived at St John Newman church on Friday I noticed both parking lots were completely filled. When I entered the church hall to prepare for hosting our fish dinner I was surprised to see the reception line leading to the immediate family. This line was three four abreast starting at the main doors continued wrapped though the community room and back out to the main church. Im all my years I never seen a larger funeral.
 
I was saddened to learn how someone with such a large resource of devoted friends would end his life this way. 
Especially when it is so obvious that he had some many resources of friends.
I can only wish that I would touch and effect this many people’s life’s.
Pete Scherer

February 28, 2020

Dear Anne
My very deepest sympathy to you at this sad time. Jim was a great guy and will be missed by everyone. 
Love to you and your family
MaryEllen Carlin Searn
cousin to Jim and Linda

February 28, 2020

Jim was a wonderful man. When I was coaching lacrosse, I looked forward to the games that he reffed. He always had a funny joke loaded up and exuded a joy to be out on the field doing what he loved. When we lost our daughter to stillbirth, Jim made it a point to check in with my periodically through the season, and encouraged me to accept the effects of the “medicine game”… The world is a sadder place without Jim’s smile in it.  I will do my best to “Be like Jim” and grow the game and I hope others will as well. I pray for God’s peace to Jim and his family.  The Lax community weeps for you. Rest easy my friend.
Wayne Hummer

February 28, 2020

Mr. Fiora will forever hold a special place in my heart. I had him as a teacher and friend for all four years at PVHS. I met Mr. Fiora when I was a freshman and was struggling with a lot in my personal life. Every day when I saw him and took his classes he was a light in my life during dark times. He was the person who supported and pushed me to be a better student and individual through his advice, motivation, and interest in who I was as a person. He told me that I was like a niece to him and I always knew I could lean on him to make me laugh, smile, and give direction in my life when I felt lost. I never thought I was the type of student who would go to college until having Mr. Fiora as my teacher and someone who really believed in me. His classes made me fall in love with business and he showed me that I was smarter and more capable than I gave myself credit for. I have him to thank for going on and graduating from Millersville with my degree in Marketing. The world will be missing such a wonderful soul, but I will continue to strive to be a better person because of the lasting mark he left in my life. I will be praying for peace and healing for all of his family and those affected by this immense loss. 
Adrian Madonna (PVHS Class of 2016)

February 28, 2020

Both of my children had Mr. Fiora as a teacher and he was Boths favorite. So sorry for your loss. 
Beth Maxwell

February 28, 2020

As a Para-Educator/PCA/Auditorium tech a PVHS, I got to see so many sides of Jim. He hated when I called him Mr. Fiora. Always insisted that I call him Jim.   He said we were peers and that we should address each other by our first names.    That is just one small window into his desire to get to a personal relationship that was like no other.  On the up days, that is how it always was.  Then on the low days, he’d be very hard to connect to, but would still drop facts or comments that would leave me pondering. 
   I got to see him in his element, teaching class, bonding to even the most difficult student with nicknames and comments that would pull them in.   At first a lot of eye rolling, but after students saw how much he cared, he became endearing to them.  
  Jim and I connected in the area of music and comedy of the 70s & 80s.  Jim would come up behind me singing a song by the Rolling Stones or the like and have me guess who sang it and guess what year it came out.  I’ll never forget the one year when he dressed like Mr. Six, the old man from those Six Flags commercials. He looked just like the guy.  I tried to talk him into doing that again at this years talent show just before the holidays, but he would not bite.  However, he did lead the entire school in a rousing version of Jingle Bells dressed as Santa.  We would work out together. He was one that would encourage me in this much needed venture.  The last time we were in the Fitness Center together he looked at me while I was on the treadmill. He said, “wahka wahka wahka!”  I said, “Yeah, I’m walking.”   Then he said, “No, Fozzy Bear.”  Then behind him I saw my reflection in the mirror and remembered I had my muppets T Shirt on.   You see, just when you thought he was crazy, you would realize there was deep intention to everything he said.
   Several years back Jim confided in me what was shocking to me.  He shared of his struggle with deep depression. When he’d let me, I’d try to get to how he really was doing. I simply wish we could have had more of those talks this year. I miss my dear friend. The halls seem a little dimmer and cold without him around. Although Pequea will never be the same without him, his memory will live on in the countless numbers of lives he touched.
Kent Haberern

February 27, 2020

Dear Anne, 
 
 
Dear Ann,
Sue and I are so saddened to learn of Jim’s passing.  You have our sincerest sympathy.  I regularly saw Jim walking the various german shepherds throughout our many years in the neighborhood, usually in the morning.  He always had a cheerful greeting.  May God’s peace be with you now and in the days ahead.
Dan and Sue Sigman   

February 27, 2020

Dear Ann,
You don’t know me but I have known your husband since playing with him in the early 1990’s for the Harrisburg Lax Club! I am also a neighbor in Country Club Estates. Jim was awesome guy, who I would see while running through Grandview, and see at Lacrosse game at Manheim Township. I am so sorry for your loss, Jim was an excellent human being! I am saddened because I know how excited he was about teaching. Peace be with you!
Scott Yoder

February 26, 2020

I knew Jim when I was a young and upcoming lacrosse official who knew only very basics about the sport. Jim could see that I knew how to officiate and was one of my many mentors who taught me the game. When we worked together, I could always count on his tireless effort to make the best decisions for the good of the game. He once commented how much he enjoyed working with me because we both learned from each other. 
Off the field, Jim was so generous and eager to learn. He would often ask me about soccer and picked my brain about some of the finer points of refereeing in the collegiate and professional ranks. I enjoyed our conversations and am only beginning to understand his passion for lacrosse and officiating. Without Jim, many officials like myself would’ve floundered. I am honored to call him a beloved brother of the fraternal order of officials. 
Kevin Klinger

February 26, 2020

it is with much sadness we leave this note for Ann and all of Jim”s family…our time with Jim as one of our Morgan Stanley Family is forever in our hearts and memories… May he be at peace ….and may all of you find comfort and strength in each other….our prayers are with you…sincerely, Debbie and Kurt Kreisher.

February 25, 2020

Ann, I have known you and Jim outside of Lacrosse and more within the lacrosse community for probably 15 years now.  I have been out of town so did not know of this until today.  Reading all this, it’s clear what a mark he made in people’s lives.  He was a brother in sports and both being NY lacrosse guys, we always had a lot to discuss.  He was so passionate about officiating and tought me so much as well as the thousands of kids that he had the opportunity to run across.
I will forever miss him  I am so sorry and will be there Friday.
Bill Morgan
 

February 24, 2020

Ann i am sorry to here about JIM i will keep you in my prayers
robert shaub

February 24, 2020

I was stunned to hear the news this morning. I served many days on the train with Jim at The Strasburg Rail Road. He was always full of energy and optimism. I am in disbelief. My condolences to the family.
S. Wayne Eissele

February 24, 2020

Ann,
Clint and I are so sorry for your loss. Yes, Jim always had a good story to tell and was always quite enthusiastic when doing so. He loved his dogs and they were always a favorite topic of conversation. If there’s anything that we can do, please let us know.
Kim and Clint Keller

February 24, 2020

Ann, as I read through the messages left by friends and loved ones, I know, as certainly you know, how much Jim was loved and looked up to. My thoughts have been with you since I heard about Jim’s passing and I cannot say enough to ease your pain. Know that so many prayers are being sent your way and wishes that Jim has finally found the peace he was looking for. God Bless you and your extended family, Ann. Please know your St. Joseph Church family is here for you.
Sincerely,
Joan & Don Schwebel

February 23, 2020

Just wanted to let you know that Mr. Fiora a made a mark in my daughter’s life.  He was one of her teachers at PVHS.
Tracy Stoltzfus

February 23, 2020

I am so sorry for your very tragic loss.  I experience a similar loss 27 years ago after the death of my son.  The guilt of  “what-ifs” survivors experience makes the grieving journey lonely indeed.  I am reaching out if you want to connect.
Dee Cameron Forry

February 22, 2020

Ann, reading these wonderful comments about Jim from so many only confirm the wish that I could have had the privilege to have known him better. You and he were always an inspiration when we frequently shared a pew on Sunday mornings at the chapel in St. Joe’s hospital. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Pickard
 
 

February 22, 2020

Our thoughts and our prayers are with Ann and her family at this very difficult time.  Jim was a special person and he will be missed by all……family, friends, students, co-workers, etc.  Jim had a personality like no other and praying we will all meet again, soon very soon.  Your St. Joseph’s Church family will raise you up in prayer and know that we are ALL blessed for having known Jim.  God Bless You, Jim and may you rest in Peace.
Ellen, Craig & Benjamin Collister

February 21, 2020

I am not really sure where to start.
Jim was a dear friend and we had the pleasure of serving our CPLOA-LL Chapter together since we formed back in 2009. He was our Secretary/Treasurer from the beginning and virtually ran the show. I served as the President for the first three to five years, in title only, as I said, it was Jim’s show. Being the only assignor the Chapter has ever had, we communicated constantly about any number of topics throughout the year, there was no one more detailed and organized than Jim.
My wife dreaded when Jim would show up at my house in the summer time to chat lacrosse and have a beer. She knew that the only person that could talk more than me was Jim………..this past week has been extremely difficult.
There will not be a game worked in the future by many people where he will not be remembered for his love of the game, dedication to the kids, officials and the tradition of the “medicine game”. His unique approach to communication echoes throughout the messages on this board. One thing for sure, he left a lasting impression on everyone’s life that he touched.
He has left us too soon, in a tragic way, his memory will live on.
One can only imagine how Ann is coping with this loss. He absolutely adored her. Whenever the topic switched to Ann, he lit up. She may have been the only person, above anything, that he loved more than the game. My heart goes out to you Ann. If there is anything that you need, there is an army of supporters within our Lacrosse Community that will be there for you at the drop of a hat.
I will miss you more than words can describe Jim. Your spirit, wit, smile, unique personality and quirks will always bring a smile to my face when I think about you……which will be often. Someday, we will meet again and you can do the pregame lineup and deliver the unique message that you are famous for………
Rest in peace my friend. Your struggles in life pale in comparison with the positive impact you left on so many……………………..
Terry Farrell

February 21, 2020

Dear Ann,
Nothing I can be say at this time will ease your pain. I pray for you and all family members. I really feel  that Jim is at peace and  he will always be with you in your heart. Many prayers and sincere sympathy.
 
Carole Jim Good

February 20, 2020

Our prayers and thoughts are with Ann and her family, Jim’s family and all those who Jim left an impact on. Once you met Jim, he certainly wasn’t someone you would soon forget.  We were so happy for Ann and Jim when they got married and knew that their life would be interesting and never dull with Jim’s energy and fun personality. We are sorry we haven’t seen Jim over the years since you moved to Lancaster, but we certainly will never forget the fun times we had back on Long Island. Jim rest in peace and watch over your beloved Ann. 
Sue and Don

February 20, 2020

I was so sad to hear of the loss of Jim…The obituary was so well written in his honor and memory…so true to who he was. He always made me smile and he was never at a loss for words. He will be missed by so many people, I am sure of that. To Ann, I wish you strength and healing and will be sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Jill Sherman

February 20, 2020

Our deepest condolences from our association to Jim’s family and the members of the CPLOA-LL. We know how important Jim was to the lacrosse community in your area. His dedication and excitement for the game will have an impact for years to come. 
Keystone Lacrosse Officials Association

February 20, 2020

Mr. Fiora was the first person to make me feel welcomed to pequea when I move here my freshman. He would call me mikey, you know thats special because I never let anyone call me that except for him. Then I rapped at my talent show and my rap name was LP(Lyrical Professor), mr fiora was devoted to remembering it and calling me “DJ LP” ever time he saw me in the hall. The last time I saw him is when I was on the fist floor of the school and he was walking towards me as he passed he said “Hey, it’s DJ LP” I said “yes sir it is”, he then proceeded to walk up the stair, as he as doing so he  then ask me how i was doing. I said “I’m doing good, How about you”, He then said with a broken voice “im doing”. I then said “well, I’ll see you around Mr. fifi”. Then he finaly said “I’ll see you around DJ Lp”. He was a true pillar of the pequea valley family and he’ll never be forgotten. Rest easy Mr. FiFi 
Michael Moyer

February 20, 2020

Jim was heck of a guy, he befriended me back in 2017 when I was head boys lacrosse coach at Conestoga Valley. He always had stories to tell me about back in his college days, I always got a kick out of them and learned a few things along the way too. As a young head coach at the time, sometimes respect was hard to gain from other coaches and some officials. He always respected me which I greatly appreciated and greatly respected him in return. In late 2017 I had a compelling career changing job offer, but it was in Florida. Due to that I stepped down at CV, but a few weeks after it was announced I received an email out of the blue from Jim. I was slightly surprised he took the time to send me a short farewell email and wish me luck, but I greatly appreciated it. Oddly enough, I searched back into my email a few months ago to find that email so I could contact him about becoming a ref. He got back to me rather quickly and got me all the info I needed to begin taking the boys lacrosse officiating course. Passed the test a few weeks back and this’ll be my first year reffing. Some could say he’s the reason I’m a ref now. Last time I saw him was at the first meeting this past December, he had his usual humor which I always enjoyed. I’m so incredibly sorry to hear this world is now without a great man like Jim. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers for a long time. Rest easy Jim, I’ll catch ya on a lacrosse field on the other side someday.
Sean Wambaugh

February 20, 2020

Mr. Fiora was one of my favorite teachers, he had a nickname for everyone, but I didn’t let him have a nickname for me, I didn’t wanna be like everyone else, I feel like wether I had a nickname or not he still had the impact on my life that he did, when things in my life went sideways, Mr flora was who I talked to, he knows so much about my family and me and my sisters were all so happy when we each found out we had his class.. he was always so enthusiastic and singing and yelling…he helped me with my suicidal thoughts.. the last time i saw Mr flora he was walking down the hallway and he was laughing and me and friends all go “there’s flora” 
isabella

February 20, 2020

     Mr Fiora was an amazing teacher he always had a smile on his face I remember he would always play the yellow submarine song an we had nicknames he would call us mine was nikkinoodle (: you are truly going to be missed I will always remember you an your amazing personality that you had😥
~NikkiNoodle❤

February 20, 2020

I had the fortunate opportunity to meet and get to know Jim through LAX officiating.  I will always remember the first and last times I saw him.  First time was when he met me prior to a high school game and verbally taught me the rotation of a three man referee system. I remember being so confused that I spent the entire game running all over the field focused on positioning and never made a call. The last time was just this last summer at Campbelltown Fire Company officiating a youth tournament where I got the opportunity to officiate one game with Jim, a pleasure I will never forget.
Thank you Jim for all the help and guidance you provided me and many other LAX referees.  You will be missed by many.
Wayne Deswert

February 20, 2020

My deepest sympathies to the family. The obit is so true to Jim. He always had something to say and always very upbeat. Jim will be truly missed. I am sending Ann strength and prayers through this difficult time. God, family and friends will heal your heart. 🙏❤
Elaine Kump

February 20, 2020

I was very sorry to hear about Jim from Jim Rea ,one of his close friends at Marist College.  I played lacrosse with Jim at Marist- I was a senior and he was a freshman  – and we  lived in the same dorm – his energy , his smile and laughter and his many gifts even as a Freshman at Marist were given freely to all he met and lived with – I will remember Jim and your family at Mass here at my Parish in NJ, Assumption Parish – God Bless 
Fr Paul Keenan,OFM

February 20, 2020

I had the pleasure of playing defense with Jim at Lake Placid two years ago. A very supportive teammate indeed. Rest in peace
Paul Roda

February 20, 2020

Dearest Ann. We are devastated. Jim was the light in every room he entered. We will miss him. And our hearts bleed for you. We are in Puerto Rico on a mission trip so will miss seeing you at Jim’s celebration of life service. Know we are praying for you and Jim each day in our healing prayer services. Love to you Scott and Sherry 

February 20, 2020

I had Mr.Fiora for one year, my freshmen year. He always had a great sense of humor and his class always had a life lesson towards the end or something life related that someone could relate to. If anyone was looking upset or sad he’d stop speaking to the class and make sure that person was okay. I remember being in the hallway this year ( my junior year ) and I wasn’t okay, and he asked me and I said I was, but he made it clear if I needed anyone to talk to that I know where his room was. He would always smile really big when he passed me because i’m a smiley person so he would tease me about it, but it would make my day. He always got on people about turning in assignments on time. He was the sweetest uplifting down to earth teacher and he made a big impact on many students lives… Its sad to see him go…
Adrianna

February 20, 2020

When we moved to Pennsylvania three years ago, Mr. Fiora was the first of my daughter’s teachers whom I met.  We talked about the fact that we were both from New York and I told him that I was actually born in New Jersey.  His response was, “Why would you admit to that?”  I instantly appreciated his sense of humor and his energy was obvious. 
I have heard a ton of “Mr.Fiora” stories in the last three years.  He clearly was a gift to all who had the fortune to know him.  And as with all things that are bright and larger than life, there can be dark times.  Mr. Fiora’s legacy will not be his final days.  Mr. Fiora’s legacy will be the smiles, the advice, the compassion and the zest for living that he shared with everyone he encountered.    May all who loved him remember his smile eternally.   
Susannah Owens

February 20, 2020

Ann
My thoughts are with you and your family.  I loved Jim and will miss him.  He was a one of a kind and his love of telling a story was like a journey where you didn’t know where it would go. We shared a love for the game of lacrosse and he did so much for the game in Central PA. I hope he is at peace.
Sending positive karma to you and your family.
RIP Jim.
Joe Gebhard

February 20, 2020

I had the amazing privilage to have Mr.Fiora as a teacher last year. He helped me through so many things and he always made sure that i did my best and that i always succedded. He was truly one of a kind and he will be missed. He had special nicknames for many of his students and he use to call me Sunny. He told me he called me this because when i would walk into his classroom i would always have a positive attitude and I would brighten up his classroom. Mr.Fiora was more then a teacher he was a friends and most importantly he was a father figure to many. I know he didnt have his own children but he most defenitly treated many as if they were all his family. And i truly am thankful that i got to call him my teacher. Thank you Mr.Fiora for everything you have done for me.
Summer Williams

February 20, 2020

I am speaking on behalf of students that have had the pleasure and honor of having Mr. Fiora (Fifi) as a teacher. He truly was one of a kind and was a favorite to many. His kindness, his helpfulness, his care for our future and most of all his humor really puts him together as a person. He did not favor anyone and showed his compassion for each and every one of us. He helped us plan for our future and the rest of our lives are benefited because of him. His class was the highlight of many of our days and he was always there when someone needed him, despite how little or big the problem was. He had nicknames for every one of his students and made the years amazing. We are going to miss hearing him sing from three halls down and listening to his funny and entertaining stories that made class much more fun. Mr. Fiora will always be Pequea’s finest and every student who had the privelage of having him as a teacher will be impacted forever. Thank you Mr. Fiora, for everything.
Pequea Students

February 19, 2020

I had fiora as my teacher. I’m always being picked on for my dyed hiar tattoos and painted nails. Anne. mr. James Fiora was a remarkable person. Even in his toughest of days he would keep me after class to talk to me about my life and how I was dealing with depression. He always asked me but I never asked him. The last words I got was hey Kermit( a nickname he gave me for dying my hair green) and I said yes me fiora l. And he said the phrase we always talked about. remember to never give up and I said I won’t ever forget it me fiora he said good. Cya Kermit. He lives on in my heart . I look forward to meeting you Anne on the 28th
David zapata

February 19, 2020

I am the parent of one of Mr Fiora’s students. He was such a kind, energetic man in school. He always made everyone feel welcome, as if you were his best friend even if you did not know him well at all.  That is quite a gift.  He will be missed. 
Michele Lichty

February 19, 2020

I worked as a Para Educator with Jim at Pequea Valley High School from 2009 to 2013, sitting in on his classes with Academic Support students. From the get go, he was one of the friendliest and most welcoming colleagues at PVHS. He made me feel like an equal and struck up conversations with me about many subjects including my grandchildren who had him as a teacher. He remembered me after I had left PVHS and called me out at a graduation ceremony when others did not seem to remember me. It says a lot about who he was.  He was an encourager and affirming person and always had a smile for everyone.  He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Jim.
Patricia Murphy 

February 19, 2020

Ann, there simply are not words that convey my sadness for the pain Jim suffered, and for your loss. All I know, and I know it in my bones, is that Jim lives, freely and joyfully, folded into the purest, most concentrated Love of all, now and forever. 
Anne Hohenwarter