SEQUIM — Support has poured in from the writers groups, co-workers and Peninsula College students since Jim Fisher of Sequim died last weekend, his widow said.
“People are calling,” Ann Fisher said.
“I am astonished by the impact my wonderful husband has had on this community.
“It is incredible.”
Fisher, 72, a 20-year Peninsula College English professor and writer of poetry and prose, died Sunday at home with his wife at his side.
Friends and family will gather Nov. 22 to remember Fisher. The location and time are not being released to the public.
Inspired other writers
Ann Fisher said many attributed their success in writing to her husband’s support.
“Jim inspired and gave them the confidence they needed,” she said.
Fisher was born July 27, 1942, in Long Beach, Calif., to Carl Fisher and Thea Allen Fisher.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Dianne Kathleen Patterson.
He is survived by a younger brother, Tom Fisher, and sister-in-law, Martha, both of California; nephews Brian and Daniel; daughters Karen Fisher of California and Tracy Fisher of New York; and a granddaughter, Megan Fisher of California.
Fisher earned a doctorate from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree from California State University at Long Beach.
During a visit to the Olympic Peninsula 20 years ago, he was immediately struck by the beauty of the area, his widow said.
“He said, ‘This is where I want to live,’” she said.
The couple returned to Los Angeles, and immediately he asked, “Why don’t we move to Sequim now?” she said.
They moved to the Olympic Peninsula, and Fisher started a second career as an English professor at Peninsula College.
He began writing poetry and prose.
He joined Writers on the Spit, took part in the group’s poetry readings and mentored other writers, said Ruth Marcus, his editor and publisher.
“He certainly was an inspiration for me as a writer,” Marcus said.
Published books
During the last 18 months, he published four books: Happy Valley USA, Granny May Have Been a Vampire, The Adventures of J.R. Engels in the Great Pacific Northwest and Genesis of Love.
His writing also was included in the anthology Last Wednesday: A Pacific Northwest Anthology of Poetry.
When he was diagnosed with cancer, Fisher began writing a “luminous collection of poems revealing an intimate glimpse of his journey to death’s door,” Marcus said.
She said that in the week before his death, Fisher finished the last poem approved for the manuscript for his final book, The Big Casino, which is expected to be published in the next few weeks.
It includes poems and quips read by friends at a birthday celebration he enjoyed in July.
“It will be published before his life celebration,” Marcus said.
It also will be available through www.amazon.com, she said.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given in Fisher’s name to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 E. Eighth St., Port Angeles, WA 98362.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
