Jim Fitzgerald, longtime AP writer and editor, dies at 66

This undated photo provided by Ellen Nimmons shows her husband, Jim Fitzgerald, a longtime Associated Press writer and editor who died in New York on Monday, April 17, 2017, at the age of 66. During his 43 years with the AP Fitzgerald helped shape the news service's coverage of stories from terror attacks to the evolving landscape of aging. Known for handling a sometimes difficult job with a can-do demeanor, professionalism and grace, Fitzgerald had been fighting leukemia for more than a year and a half. (Ellen Nimmons via AP) (The Associated Press)

A longtime Associated Press writer and editor in New York who helped shape the news service's coverage of stories from terror attacks to the evolving landscape of aging has died. Jim Fitzgerald was 66.

His wife, Ellen Nimmons, a manager at the AP's headquarters, says he died Monday at a hospital after fighting leukemia for more than a year and a half.

Fitzgerald worked at the AP for 45 years. His career included covering New York City's northern suburbs and editing local and national stories.

Fitzgerald was known for handling the news with a can-do demeanor, professionalism and gentlemanly grace.

In 2014, the New York journalism organization Society of the Silurians honored him with its Peter Kihss Award, which recognizes distinguished reporters who mentor younger colleagues.

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This story has been corrected to show he worked at AP for 45 years, not 43 years.