A friend of the University for more than 40 years, Jim’s affiliation reached a personal high point when he included the University in his estate plans, gifting his personal residence to the University. Through his professional expertise, he knew that gifting his home to the University in this manner removed a taxable asset from his estate. The University of Akron Foundation, in turn, sold the property and the proceeds came to the University for its unrestricted use, per the wishes outlined in his estate plans.
Throughout his personal and professional life, Jim enjoyed all things Akron, the sounds, friends and environs of a hometown community that made him smile for 65 years. A well-regarded friend and alumnus of The University of Akron, Jim earned degrees in civil engineering and law. He retired after an outstanding career at Buckingham, Doolittle and Burroughs, which saw him represent the University in a wide range of real estate matters.
His vitality was evident in his social activities, as well. A member of the Copley Lions Club and a board member of the Stan Hywet Hall Foundation, his interests always led him to consider what more he could do, what greater impact he could have. His constant support of the University as a lifelong donor provided much needed assistance to many students. His donations, and his estate gift, reflected the life he lived and made a bold statement about what he believed in and cared for.
Jim Fisher’s estate expression to the University is a great example of a way to make a gift that many people may consider. It leaves a legacy that speaks well into the future, helping build a path for future students starting to walk their own paths into the future, making vibrant differences in the community we share.