James Fischer

Longtime Independence resident, James “Jim” D. Fischer, 76, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 2, 2021. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Potts Chapel and no services are planned at this time, in accordance with his wishes.

On March 1, 1945, Archie and Sarah (Collins) Fischer welcomed their son Jim into this world in Independence, Kansas. Jim attended St. Andrew’s Catholic School and graduated from Independence High School in 1963. He went on to earn his associate degree at Independence Community College and his bachelor’s degree at Emporia State University, and then later a master’s at Pittsburg State University. After high school Jim found his first career love in radio at local station KIND. During his 22-year broadcasting career as a disc jockey, interviewer, variety show host, sportscaster, and programmer, he worked in stations across Kansas and Missouri. Later in life Jim found his second career passion, teaching, at Independence Community College, where he happily taught English and Speech until he retired 16 years later. While at ICC, Jim was active with the Inge Festival, and also took great pride in his work with Bob Wesley on the Reflection Show television interview program. He published a few pieces of short fiction in anthologies over the years, as well as two self-published books of haiku and a podcast series of short plays recorded in partnership with the Independence Public Library. Jim loved language, communication, jazz, and learning. He loved his hometown. He frequently counted himself lucky to have lived such a full life.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Sarah Fischer, and his siblings Donald, Beverly, and Karen.

Jim’s memory will carry on with his children, son, Julian Fischer, daughter, Chelsea Porter, and one granddaughter, all of Broomfield, Colorado. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution be made in Jim’s name to the Friends of Riverside Park and Zoo Organization, in honor of the many happy times he had there. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit, www.pottsfuneralhome.com.