
James William Patten
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James W. Patten, 71, of Merrimac, MA and Barefoot Bay, FL, passed away on December 31, 2021, from a glioblastoma.
Jim grew up in Merrimac, MA and graduated from Pentucket Regional High School in 1968. He was drafted and enlisted in the Army in 1970. He was stationed in Asmara, Ethiopia before enrolling in journalism and public relations school at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana. Following a brief stint at Fort Devens, MA, he was assigned to Tori Station in Sobi, Okinawa. During that time, he was editor of the base newspaper and worked on a community relations program.
After six years in the Army, Jim retuned to Merrimac and worked at the Haverhill Gazette as a reporter and photographer for nine years. In 1985, he joined the (Lawrence) Eagle Tribune until his retirement in 2012. One of his most memorable assignments was covering the Malden Mills Fire. His photo of this fire was shown on many of the local and national news stations. He was well respected by his colleagues at the Tribune, as well as members of the local law enforcement community.
Jim was very proud of his sons Shawn, retired Deputy Chief of Police in Salem, NH and Joel, who was a helicopter crew chief in the USMC.
After his retirement, he and his wife, Cathy, became "snowbirds". He loved the sunshine and was thrilled to have a chance to play his drums, a lifelong passion. He enjoyed playing in a few bands and jamming with other musicians. He also enjoyed traveling with Cathy and her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Ron King. Their final trip to Australia and New Zealand was especially memorable.
Back in MA, Jim loved feeding the birds. He always looked forward to seeing the Baltimore orioles return each June. He enjoyed cooking on the grill and getting together with his northern friends. He will be greatly missed.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin Patten and Dorothy (Schiavoni) Patten.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Catherine (Chaples) Patten, sons Shawn of Bradenton, FL and Joel and his wife, Jena DiMare of Amherst, NH, and grandsons TJ, Travis, Tyler, Quinn, Gavin and Tristan Patten. He leaves behind his sister Lisa Orso and her husband, Nick, nieces Elizabeth and Emily. He also leaves behind his niece Caitlin and nephew Travis, children of Marie and Ron King. He is also survived by his beloved canine companion, Chloe.
The family wishes to express since thanks to the hospice caregivers from St. Francis Reflections., Burial will be private. Memorial contributions in Jim's name can be made to: St. Francis Reflections Foundation, 1250 B-Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central, Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958.
