Brother Jim Fitzpatrick came to Canada in 1980 from Scotland to work at Saint John Dry docks, a year later Jim and his family moved to Victoria to work as a Steel Fabricator at Yarrow Shipyards for year and half. Yarrows went out of business at time the rest of the country was in a recession. Times were slow with high unemployment; Along with other members of his Lodge, Jim received a Christmas hamper from Lodge 191 Boilermakers Benevolent fund which is supported by the membership, which he is grateful for. In 1987 Jim started working at Nicholson Manufacture in Sydney BC. He has been with his employer every since then.

Jim has been the shop steward for the last seventeen years; in 1994 Jim became the Lodge President, accepting more responsibilities. In late 2006, the Business Manager of 191 Bill Morrison, became ill and needed recovery time after surgery. Jim Fitzpatrick stepped forward as his duties were required by the International constitution, he worked for the benefit of the members of 191. Jim met with the Members, International and Employers assuring them it wasbusiness as usual at 191 by his words and actions.

After Bill Morrison’s Recovery, Jim returned back to his position on the shop floor at Nicholson Manufacture who had agreed to work with the Union by granting Jim a leave of absence.