The man who redefined the office of lieutenant governor in the 1970s, Jimmy Fitzmorris Jr passed away Wednesday night. The New Orleans native was the state’s first full-time lieutenant governor. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain remembers Fitzmorris fondly.
“In the legislature, he would come and actively testify on bills mostly before the commerce committee, but he was a great guy,” said Strain.
Fitzmorris redefined the office of the lieutenant governor making it was it is today, a strong promoter of tourism and economic development. Strain said promoting the Bayou State came naturally for Fitzmorris.
“You talk about a lifetime ambassador of Louisiana, it was Jimmy Fitzmorris. He always had this great big smile, he loved people, he loved Louisiana,” said Strain.
Fitzmorris also presided over the state senate at a pivotal time, the drafting of the new state constitution in 1973.
The lifelong democrat began his political career on the New Orleans city council and was involved with setting the framework for the Superdome. Fitzmorris ran twice for mayor of his hometown and lost both times. But Strain said he was very successful on a statewide level.
“He loved people, he stayed engaged and he was just a lot of fun to be around, but he was serious too,” said Strain.
Fitzmorris was 99.
Comments