John “Archie” Fisher

He was born Sept. 7, 1931, to Lincoln R. and Elizabeth Armslow Fisher in the Town of North Harmony, the fifth of seven children.

Archie graduated from Chautauqua Central School, where he played basketball and baseball. In 1951, he married Joyce Farrar in Chautauqua. Archie served in the Army for three years, stationed in Korea 1951- 52. After graduating from Kent State University, Ohio, in 1957, Archie bought Southside Food Shop on Foote Avenue and the grocery store on the Chautauqua Institution grounds.

In 1962, unhappy with the long, snowy winters, Archie and Joyce sold the businesses, packed up the Ford station wagon, threw a mattress in the back, and moved their four daughters to Cape Coral, Fla., a trip that took three days. Almost every summer after, the family returned to the Fisher Farm on Open Meadows Road for a two-week visit, getting reacquainted with their vast network of relatives.

In February 1967, Archie’s long-time wish for a son was fulfilled, when Richard was born. During the nine years living in Cape Coral, Archie stayed busy working to support his family. At various times he owned/operated a sundries store, worked at Sears automotive, obtained his teaching certificate and taught typing at Cypress Lake High School, served part-time as guidance counselor for the Fort Myers High night school program, and worked as business education consultant with the State of Florida, all while mowing about 20 lawns each weekend. He attended graduate school part-time and in 1969 earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling. Archie believed strongly in the power of education, both in and outside the classroom.

In December of 1971, Archie moved with Joyce and the four younger children to the east coast of Florida to continue work with the Florida Department of Education, and in 1982 at the age of 51, he “retired” and purchased a fund raising business which he operated with Joyce for almost 20 years, traveling all over the country in their motorhome. During this time Archie completed his memoirs entitled “My Life As I Remember,” a copy of which he gave to anyone who asked.

In 2001, Archie and Joyce moved to a retirement community in Winter Haven, Fla., where Archie was a charter member of the Four Lakes Veterans Organization, serving on the board of directors in various offices. He formed the local “helping hands” group, was a substitute teacher and tutored elementary school children, organized the community beautification program, served as a poll worker for elections and donated more than five gallons of blood.

He and Joyce were well-known for their moves on the dance floor. At the age of 75 he signed up for organ lessons and he and Joyce went on more than 25 cruises. In 2008 the entire family cruised the inside passage of Alaska. For three years he and Joyce worked seasonally at Universal Studios.

In December of 2016, Archie and Joyce moved to New Smyrna Beach to be closer to family.

Archie is survived by his wife, Joyce, with whom he would have celebrated 69 years of marriage on June 16; five children: Sandy Swanson of Augusta, Ga., Patty Jazvac (Marc) and Nancy Evolga (Mike) of New Smyrna Beach, Kathy Brown (David) of Winder, Ga., and Richard Fisher (Irene) of Phoenix, Ariz.; seven grandchildren (to whom he was known as Bumpa); nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeannette Winner of Williamsport, Pa.; sisters-in-law, Jo Fisher and Meredith Johnston; brother-in-law, Rodney Sager; and many nieces and nephews.

Archie exemplified a Christian life, and his sense of humor and story-telling will be greatly missed by his family.

A memorial service in Florida will be scheduled sometime in July.