James R. Fitzgerald, 88, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 10:03 A.M., Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Green Tree at Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, Illinois. FUNERAL SERVICE will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 5, 2016 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois, with Mr. Tracy Thomas officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. A Greeting of Family and Friends will be held from 10:00 to Service Time 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. For those who wish, memorials may be given to Celtic Health Care Hospice Division in Memory of James R. Fitzgerald and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home where you may call (618) 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfh.com for further information or to send online condolences.