James A. Fizzell (Class of January 1953)

 

At Taft, Jim Fizzell was active in the band and orchestra with John “Pops” Rapier, and in a dance band which was started in his junior year. He attended Pasadena California City College and California Polytechnic College, earned two degrees in horticulture from University of Illinois and completed advanced studies at various universities. 

Jim began his horticulture career in 1957 as an extension advisor for University of Illinois, and for eight years provided information and expertise to businesses, media and the public in Northern Illinois. He spent a year with Whirlpool Corporation specializing in artificial atmospheres for production and storage of horticultural commodities and then worked as an independent contractor developing greenhouse complexes. Between 1972 and 1991, he returned to the University of Illinois as an extension horticulturist. 

Jim has hosted the Saturday Morning Garden Show for WAIT Radio, Direct TV’s Garden Street USA, and has appeared on various other radio programs.  He has written numerous articles and authored a number of books including, “Illinois Gardener’s Guide”, “Month by Month Gardening in Illinois”, and “The Midwest Fruit and Vegetable Book” in various state specific editions. 

Jim and his wife Jane include in their family four children, two foster children, 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.