Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
James Henry Patterson, 77, a longtime resident of Hood River, Ore., died Sept. 19, 2009, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital of a heart attack.
Jim was born Aug. 29, 1932, in Garrison, N.D., to Ira and Elizabeth Patterson. The family moved to Hood River in 1945 when the family farm was flooded by the newly constructed Garrison Dam on the Missouri River.
Jim graduated from Hood River High School in 1950, where he met and later married the love of his life, Mary Ann Moore. They were married 56 years.
Jim served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and then he and Mary returned to Hood River to raise their family. A devoted family man, he coached their Little League teams; led hunting, fishing and camping trips; and was involved with all family gatherings of which there were many.
He was a man who could do all of his own home and car repairs, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, engine repairs, etc. He grew the best peaches we ever tasted.
Jim was a very hard worker (I don’t think he ever took a sick day) who began his work career at Safeway, then to Mayflower Farms, Franz Bakery and finally the Port of Hood River as a bridge toll collector. He was a member of the Teamsters, Hood River Valley Christian Church, Elks Club and American Legion.
Survivors include his wife, Mary, of Hood River; son Mark and daughter-in-law Beth of Seattle, Wash.; son Bob and daughter-in-law Olivia of Lincoln City, Ore.; daughter Kathy Buendgen and son-in-law Mike, of Morris, Minn.; and son Craig and daughter-in-law Colleen, of Gresham, Ore. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, brother Walter, of Richland, Wash., and sister Joyce, of La Grande, Ore.
There will be a Celebration of Life service on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. at the Hood River Valley Christian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hood River Valley Christian Church or Alzheimer’s Research and sent in care of Anderson’s Tribute Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000. Please visit www.andersonstributecenter.com to leave a condolence note for the family.
To plant a tree in memory of James Patterson as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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