James Henry Fitzgibbons, 72, of Ashland, passed away, Thursday, Jan. 3rd at the MetroWest Medical Center in Natick after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Walpole, MA; he was the son of the late Michael J. and Alice (Finnegan) Fitzgibbons and loving late aunt Mary Mulcahy, who raised him from an early age. He was the husband of Jeanne (Guido) Fitzgibbons. Mr. Fitzgibbons worked early in his life as a service technician with C & S Oil and as a welder before being disabled. He served his country honorably during the Korean War, serving in the US Marine Corps. In addition to his wife, Mr. Fitzgibbons is survived by five children: Michael J. of Ashland; Mark and Holly of Sherman Oaks, CA; Shawn and his wife Sterling of Westboro; Laura J. Fitzgibbons of Falmouth; and Lisa A. Cook and her husband Steven of Bellingham; eight grandchildren: Scott, Ryan, and Evan Fitzgibbon; Bailey and Keaton Zeidman; Miranda and Megan Cook; and Joseph J. Fitzgibbons-Cook; one sister, Jane Cammarano of Natick, one brother, Charles and his wife Sue of Lakeland, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Michael Fitzgibbons. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 8th at 9:00am in St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland with burial to follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Milford. Calling hours will be held Monday from 5:00-8:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home (www.mataresefuneral.com) 325 Main St. in Ashland.