James Paris Fisher Sr.

James “Paris” Fisher, 80, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, after a short illness.

Born in Concord, North Carolina, on September 29, 1943, he was the son of the late Homer and Olga Marlette Fisher. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Houston.

Following his graduation from UNC in 1966, Paris was commissioned in the U.S. Army after completing Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam as a Field Artillery Officer, possibly with the Big Red One (1st Infantry Division), and later served in Korea and Germany (2-41 FA, 3rd Infantry Division, Bad Kissingen).

After leaving active duty in 1972, Paris joined the staff of Congressman W.G. (Bill) Hefner on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. He later began a distinguished civilian career with The Westinghouse Corporation and Northrop Grumman as Director of Defense Contracts, working alongside John Hay, Win Shaw, Parker Miller, and Gunner Bob Zoglman.

Upon his retirement from industry, Paris co-founded Martin, Fisher, Thompson & Associates with former Congressman David O’Brien Martin (R-NY) and retired Air Force Colonel Steve Thompson—a highly respected boutique defense lobbying firm in Washington, D.C.

Anyone who met Paris would remember him. He brought humor, intelligence, and a deep sense of camaraderie wherever he went. A lifelong student of history, he could, at a moment’s notice, recite General Robert E. Lee’s farewell letter to his troops (General Order No. 9) or Colonel William Barret Travis’s last letter from the Alamo, both from memory and with the reverence of a true historian.

Paris remained ever engaged in political and current affairs and was widely respected among his colleagues and friends. An accomplished clay shooter, upland hunter, fly fisherman, and golfer, he was a lifetime member of the Congressional Country Club, where he enjoyed many good times and great friendships.

Mr. Fisher was widely known as a practiced raconteur, especially when gathered with friends around the fireplace of a hunting lodge during bird season. His popularity at such gatherings led to his being affectionately referred to as “America’s Guest,” a label he welcomed wholeheartedly. He had a rare talent for bringing laughter and conviviality to those who shared his fondness for the outdoors—it was not uncommon for an evening to end with his companions in stitches over his endless trove of stories, jokes, and tall tales.

He was also a passionate advocate for Southern barbecue, proudly and persistently asserting the superiority of North Carolina BBQ over all others.

Whether in the field or at the country club, Paris was always nattily attired and perfectly turned out for the sporting occasion at hand. The ribbing he received for his sartorial habits evoked smiles all around, and he bore it like the true Southern gentleman that he was.

Paris is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rebecca, of Fort Mill, South Carolina; daughter Caroline Fisher of Belt, Montana; son Paris Jr. (Veronica) and their children, Gabrielle and Daniel, of Winter Garden, Florida; and his brother George (Sandy) of Charlotte, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Olga Marlette Fisher; his parents-in-law, Ralph and Agnes McLeod; his stepdaughter, Ashley Fisher; and his brother-in-law, Kevin McLeod.

Paris Fisher lived his life with humor, honor, and heart—a true Southern gentleman and a proud American who served his country and enriched the lives of all who knew him.

A service honoring his life will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025.

The family is deeply grateful to all who join in celebrating his remarkable life.

In remembrance of Paris, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to his heart, at www.stjude.org.