IN MEMORIAM James K. Fitzpatrick

James K. Fitzpatrick of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2023, from complications of multiple medical challenges.

Jim had been a part of the BURGER KING® system beginning in the late 1970s for Bennett Management Corp. in Toledo, Ohio. For several years, Jim was the director of operations for Bennett’s Toledo-based operation.

Beginning in 1984, Jim joined Quality Dining Inc. (QDI), along with his brothers Dan, John and Jerry, and began developing BURGER KING restaurants in the Muskegon, Michigan, market. Beginning in 1986, Jim moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, as Quality Dining entered into the Fort Wayne market. As an operator and developer, Jim applied his expertise to making the BURGER KING brand a vibrant entity to these markets.

As Quality Dining grew and diversified, Jim led the development efforts, including real estate and construction, for many years. Jim retired from QDI in 2020 as its then vice chairman.

“It is difficult to describe Jim’s legacy and the impact he had on many in just a few words, but Jim was a kind, genial, fun and witty man who people gravitated to, followed and respected,” said Jim’s brother, Dan Fitzpatrick, Quality Dining chairman and CEO. “As both a brother and a colleague, he will be deeply missed.”

In addition to Jim’s professional involvement with QDI, Jim was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, in 2011. As such, Jim was the Master of Ceremonies for the Diocesan Bishop and was involved in various parishes.

“Without a doubt, Jim’s deep faith was an integral part of the type of person that he was. As a deacon, he was an outstanding minister in the church to the benefit of many,” Dan continued.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen, and daughter, Kristen, four brothers and a long list of nieces and nephews. n