Obituaries - NRPA People - Obituary

Parks & Recreation, June, 2002

James A. Fisher, long-time executive director of the North Jeffco (Colo.) Park and Recreation District, died on Nov. 22, 2001, following a long illness. In this position, from 1972 to 1995, he managed 80 full-time and 550 part-time employees, 100 park sites, 15 recreational facilities, and extensive hiking and biking trails. During his tenure, he brought the district from a $975,000 budget in 1972 to a $6 million budget in 1995, with a $1 million cash reserve.

During his park and recreation career, Fisher was a prolific member of both NRPA and the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA). Among the numerous awards he received for his efforts were the NRPA National Distinguished Professional Award, the American Park and Recreation Society (APRS) Distinguished Fellow Award, and the CPRA Fellow Award. He led North Jeffco to two national Gold Medal Awards.

His professional leadership roles included president of CPRA, president of the CPRA Foundation, president of the American Parks and Recreation Society, president of the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute, president of the Midwest Council and membership on the NRPA Board of Trustees and in the American Academy of Park and Recreation. A highly influential and important member of the park and recreation profession, Jim's work and personal philosophy will continue to direct leaders for many years to come.

Joe Abrahams, a leading force in parks and recreation in both the Tampa Bay area and nationally, died of cancer on May 3. Creating places for people to play was a passion of the long-time parks director. "That was his life," said his widow, Jo-Anne Wolfson. Even as he fought the cancer that spread from his prostate to his blood, Abrahams continued to work, attending dedications and assisting with the direction of the 2002 NRPA Congress in Tampa.

Born in South Africa, Abrahams came to the U.S. when he was 14 and won a soccer scholarship to the University of Illinois. He earned a master's degree in parks and recreation management in the 1950s. Abrahams has been with the City of Tampa since 1978, serving under four mayors. Prior to being recreation director, he was administrator of parks, recreation, and cultural affairs, and supervised a number of related departments. Abrahams administered a $17 million bond issue for the renovation and expansion of park facilities. He played a role in the development of the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Tampa Museum of Art. He helped stage numerous sporting events, including two Super Bowls, local Olympic events and the Gasparilla Distance Classic.

Abrahams was a strong supporter of NRPA. Among the many positions he held, he served on the NRPA Board of Trustees and was pivotal in getting NRPA to Tampa for this year's Congress. "His tireless efforts and commitment to all those within the field of parks and recreation will not be forgotten," said T. Destry Jarvis, NRPA executive director. "He has touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed."