Jimmy Fitzmorris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jimmy Fitzmorris
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| 46th Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana | |
| In office May 9, 1972 – March 10, 1980 |
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| Governor | Edwin W. Edwards |
| Preceded by | Clarence C. "Taddy" Aycock |
| Succeeded by | Bobby Freeman |
| President of the Louisiana State Senate (ex officio) | |
| In office 1972–1976 |
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| Preceded by | Clarence C. "Taddy" Aycock |
| Succeeded by | Michael H. O'Keefe |
| New Orleans City Councilman | |
| In office 1954–1966 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | November 15, 1921 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | June 30, 2021 (aged 99) Slidell, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Gloria Lopez Fitzmorris (married 1945-1995, her death) |
| Children | Lisa Marie Clement |
| Occupation | Railroad executive |
James Edward "Jimmy" Fitzmorris, Jr. (born November 15, 1921 – died June 30, 2021) was an important American businessman and leader. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served as the Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana from 1972 to 1980. He was the first person to hold this job full-time in Louisiana's history. He was also the last Lieutenant Governor whose duties included leading the Louisiana State Senate.
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Who Was Jimmy Fitzmorris?
Jimmy Fitzmorris was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 15, 1921. He grew up to become a successful businessman. He worked as a leader in the railroad industry. This experience helped him understand how to manage big projects and work with many people.
Serving New Orleans
Before becoming Lieutenant Governor, Jimmy Fitzmorris was involved in local government. From 1954 to 1966, he served on the New Orleans City Council. The City Council helps make important decisions for the city. They work on things like city services, budgets, and local laws. Being a city councilman meant he helped shape New Orleans for over a decade.
Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor
In 1972, Jimmy Fitzmorris was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana. He held this important state job for two terms, until 1980. He worked alongside Governor Edwin W. Edwards. Fitzmorris made history as the first Lieutenant Governor in Louisiana to work full-time in the role. This meant he could dedicate all his efforts to serving the state.
What Does a Lieutenant Governor Do?
The Lieutenant Governor is the second-highest elected official in a state. Their main job is to be ready to take over if the Governor cannot do their job. They also have other duties. For example, Jimmy Fitzmorris was also the President of the Louisiana State Senate. This meant he led meetings and helped guide discussions in the state's law-making body. He was the last Lieutenant Governor to have this specific duty.
Later Years
After serving as Lieutenant Governor, Jimmy Fitzmorris continued to be active in politics. In 1979, he ran for governor but did not win the election. Later, in 1983, he tried to become Lieutenant Governor again but was not elected.
Jimmy Fitzmorris passed away on June 30, 2021, in Slidell, Louisiana. He was almost 100 years old. He is remembered for his long career in public service and business.
