James E. Patterson, 66, of Traverse City, formerly of Grand Rapids, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018. He was born in Grand Rapids to Donald and Jane Patterson, both preceding him in death. Jim was raised in Plainfield Township, graduated from Northview High School in 1970, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1972 to 1974. He worked for Behler-Young Company in both Grand Rapids and Traverse City, and then for many years at Young Supply in Traverse City.
Jim was an outdoor enthusiast whom never passed a chance to do some fishing. He tuned in every evening to Jeopardy and would have been a big contender on the show. One of his greatest adventures was to Lake Matinenda in Ontario, Canada. The breathtaking views and the fishing created an oasis of comfort and peace and he would travel there often.
He is survived by wife, Jean; daughters Heather Howard of Traverse City, Sarah (Todd) O'Haver of Gypsum, Colorado, Julie (Dennis) Martin of Lincoln Park, MI; son Jeremy (Sunny Cole) Terry of Traverse City; granddaughters Avery O'Haver and Maggie Martin; grandson Jaxson Terry; sister Susan Mitchell of Traverse City; brother Mark (Valerie) Patterson of Coopersville, MI; and many nieces and nephews.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your condolences and memories with Jim's family on his tribute page.
Per Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life gathering will take place on July 15, 2018 at 1500 Penbroke, Traverse City 49696. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.