James Ronald Fisher

James Ronald Fisher, born June 2, 1957 in Newark, New Jersey passed away on August 16, 2023 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was 66 years old at the time of his departure from this world.
Throughout his remarkable journey, James embraced many roles and touched the lives of numerous people. He dedicated over 39 years to the United States Navy, where he retired as a Retired Chief. His commitment and exceptional skills were evident as he held various positions including N1 Deputy/Admin Support Specialist on the Staff of Undersea Warfighting Development Center. James made a lasting impact during his tenure, earning the respect and admiration of all who served beside him.
James is preceded in death by his beloved son David “Big” Fisher; mother Euphemia Lemon; father Ernest Fisher; father-in-law Albert Alfano; and mother-in-law Rosemary Alfano.
James Fisher, a native of New Jersey, enlisted in the U.S. Navy September 1984. Meritoriously advanced out of recruit training, SN Fisher was transferred to Yeoman “A” School in Meridian MS. Following “A” school in February 1985 he received orders to the USS BOULDER (LST-1190) homeported at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY. February 1988 YN3 Fisher transferred to Attack Squadron 42 (VA-42), Naval Air Station Oceana for further assignment to independent duty with the Squadron Augment Unit to provide administrative support for Medium Attack Wing ONE’s reserve contingency program. January 1991, YN2 Fisher volunteered to fill a critical independent Yeoman vacancy onboard the USS GUARDIAN (MCM-5) in the Persian Gulf Theatre of Operations. Onboard the USS GUARDIAN, YN2 Fisher was assigned to the Navigation Detail in addition to the normal administrative duties. During this tour of duty, Petty Officer Fisher qualified Quarter Master of the Watch while underway in the live minefields of the Northern Arabian Gulf. October 1991, upon returning to the United States, YN2 Fisher was given choice of ships within the Mine Warfare community. November 1991 YN2 Fisher chose an independent duty billet onboard the USS EXPLOIT (MSO-440) homeported at Little Creek, Virginia Beach, VA. Onboard the EXPLOIT, YN1(SW) Fisher qualified Enlisted Surface Warfare, Underway Quarter Master of the Watch and was the first EXPLOIT Petty Officer to qualify Junior Officer of the Deck (Underway).
In January 1995 the USS EXPLOIT (MSO-440) decommissioned. Petty Officer Fisher then transferred to the Little Creek Readiness Center where he was assigned as the Reserve Officer and Enlisted Manpower LPO and Command Enlisted Classifier for both active duty and reserve personnel. February 1998 YN1(SW) Fisher transferred to Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 56 (VR-56), Naval Air Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA. October 1999 YN1(SW) Fisher requested transfer to a more operational unit and quickly received PCS orders to Fighter Squadron Composite Twelve (VFC-12), Naval Air Station Oceana. Soon after reporting on board, Petty Officer Fisher was advanced to Yeoman Chief Petty Officer. He remained at the squadron until receiving orders in October 200 I to Naval Air Reserve, Norfolk.
November 2004, having served 20 years of active duty, YNC(SW) Fisher retired and accepted a civilian contractor position with GRYPHON Technologies to work on the Sea Warrior Project under the guidance of VADM Robert T. Conway of Task Force Warrior. In November of 2005 Task Force Warrior had completed their mission and was soon disestablished. James applied for, and was accepted to his current position as Administrative Officer, then titled Fleet ASW Command which in time evolved into Undersea Warfighting Development Center Norfolk. He earned a Master’s in Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. In addition to his duties at UWDC, Mr. Fisher is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) teaching undergraduate business and management courses of study. Additionally, James accepted a 400 level Course Chair position with UMGC for Curriculum Development in Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility.
James’ community involvement includes Lead Usher and Emergency Response Team Coordinator for Trinity Church Virginia Beach also serving on the church’s finance committee. He was also the elected Treasurer on the Westbriar Condominiums Board of Directors.

Left to cherish the memory of James is his wife of 42 beautiful years Janet Mary Fisher; Grandson James Samuel Fisher; granddaughter Amber Rose Mary Fisher; sister Jeanne Fisher Ross; brother Richard Fischer; sister Lisa Marie Gangala; brother-in-law Gregorio Gangala; nephew Gregorio “G-Man” Gangala; nieces Gabriella Gangala, Elizabeth Ross and Megan Ross;
brother-in-laws Albert Alfano and Russell Alfano; sister-in-law Donna Alfano Wojdylo, nieces Amy Alfano, Arlene Alfano, and Daniel Alfano; daughter-in-law Mandi Fisher Thomas.

As we bid our final farewell to James Ronald Fisher, we invite friends and family to join together to celebrate his life. Visitation will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home in Virginia Beach, followed by a funeral service at Trinity Church. The interment will take place at Princess Anne Memorial Park, where he will find eternal rest alongside his son, David Fisher.

A visitation will be held for James on September 7, 2023 at Altmeyer Funeral Home from 5pm – 8pm. The funeral will be held at Trinity Church at the Oceanfront on September 8, 2023 at 10:00am followed by a burial at Princess Anne Park at noon.

James’s memory will forever remain etched in our hearts. If you were to ask him, James would most like to be remembered for being a devoted servant and child of God, a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was never afraid to stand up for what is right with a BIG heart. His remarkable legacy, both as a devoted Navy Chief and a passionate educator, serves as an inspiration to us all. James even served as a substitute teacher for his granddaughter’s class and even lead her Girl Scout Troop! May we honor his life by embracing the spirit of perseverance, knowledge, and selflessness that defined him. In our sorrows, let us find strength, for James Ronald Fisher’s spirit lives on in our enduring memories.