James Fisher, Jr.

Please click here to view the live-streaming of the Memorial Service for Mr. James Fisher Jr. Streaming will start on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00am.

James Fisher Jr. 71, a beloved father and community member, passed away on January 22, 2024.

James was born on November 17, 1952, in Chevy Chase, MD and was the youngest son of 4 children born to James Fisher and Evelyn Conway-Fisher. After spending his childhood in DC, he joined the US Army at age 23 and served for 4 years. Following completion of his military service, he worked as a logistics administrator for several federal agencies, including the Office of Equal Opportunity and Federal Housing and Finance Board. During this time, he also became a father and helped raise four children. James retired after over two decades of employment with the federal government.

James always wanted to know more about his ancestry. When he began the journey of researching his family history in 2011, learning that he was the 7th generation grandson of Capt. George Pointer, an enslaved man of color who rented out as a laborer on George Washington’s Potomac Canal project, amazed him. George had bought his freedom in the late 1700s, and by 1819 became the Supervising Engineer responsible for building the Great Falls locks, which allowed boat travel north and south on the Potomac River. James also learned that his Pointer ancestors had owned land along Broad Branch Road in Chevy Chase, DC, from 1850 to 1928, before it was seized under eminent domain. James dedicated himself to publicizing the life of George Pointer and his family’s land, ensuring that the history books would know the truth and property reparations would take place.

James’ efforts and dedication to share his family story allowed him to speak at community meetings, engage in candid discussions with politicians at DC Council meetings, and with US Capitol congressional members. He also addressed students, both young and old, at local schools. James felt immense joy and purpose in these opportunities, and he was determined to have a public acknowledgement of George Pointer, his family, and the captain’s contributions to American history. James’ labor led to collaboration on several years-long projects about the life and family of his ancestor Capt. George Pointer, including the 2021 publication of Between Freedom and Equality, by authors Barbara Boyle Torrey and Clara “Tiggy” Myrick Green, narrating Capt. Pointer’s amazing accomplishments and contributions. Such collaborative efforts included re-naming Lafayette Park in Chevy Chase, DC, to Lafayette-Pointer Park, and, in October 2023, promoting the National Park Service Great Falls Park in Virginia’s presentation of new museum exhibits, lectures, and children’s education materials, sharing the amazing life of Captain George Pointer.

James was a man of many interests and passions, including horology, music, African American history, philosophy, travel, cinema, and classic automobiles. He was a skilled basketball player and strategist and enjoyed imparting his varied knowledge wherever he could. He was also an avid reader and poet. James found peace and comfort in solitude; but also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved to laugh and joke—at times, even at himself.

He is preceded by his beloved daughter Dawn and survived by his children Tuesday (Brandi), Kamaal, and Keenan; sisters Sylvia (Todatiyah), Shirley, and Susan; dear friend Tanya, his “George Pointer crew”- Barbara, Tiggy, and Tim, fellow board members of the Historical Society of DC Chevy Chase, and loving nieces, nephews, friends, and members of the Maryland and DC community who have shared time and have benefited from his sense of humor, kindness, wisdom and steadfast pursuit of knowledge. 

James Fisher, Jr. overcame challenges, encouraged others, and has left a legacy that will last for generations. He will be profoundly missed, but will live on in the memories he shared with all who knew him.