Avis de décès de James-A. -B. Patterson

->WINTERPORT - A devoted husband, dad, brother, uncle and friend, Jim, 65, died peacefully July 8, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Natalie Patterson; and sisters, Sally Patterson of Bucksport and Mary "Polly" Currier of Blue Hill. He leaves his beloved wife, Deej; son, John of Bangor; daughter, Elizabeth and wife, Brooke, of Massachusetts; sister, Jane Paxton of Hallowell; brother, Bobby and wife, Kathy, of Bucksport; brother-in-law, Alan Currier of Blue Hill; brother-in-law, Bill Collins and wife, Ann, of New York; brother-in-law, Kent Collins and wife, Sallie, of South Carolina; several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families; and two adoring Siamese cats, Padi and Suki.Jim grew up along the Penobscot River in Bucksport, graduated from Bucksport High School and Harvard College, and with his new wife, Deej, moved back to Maine to raise a family. He was elated to live by the river once again, this time in Winterport. With his family, he reveled in the natural beauty of the region, visiting the ocean and tending to the flurry of birds that visited his feeders. In all types of weather, he was happy to sit on the porch, working on a crossword puzzle or reading one of dozens of books from the towering piles next to him. Jim had three main passions: family, literature and nature. He was an accomplished writer, with stories published in Yankee and Down East. He and his family spent time each summer with very close friends on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, where Jim was in his element: swimming, kayaking, watching the Red Sox and Fawlty Towers, and cooking delicious meals. Over time, Jim's life expanded with scores of activities and wonderful new people. After years in business, he found his life's work in social service, mentoring adults and youth with special needs. He became involved in town politics, serving on the Board of Selectmen, the Town Council, and SAD No. 22 school board. He played poker with a group of men who appreciated his excellent chili and stories. He sang a gorgeous tenor in the choir at St. John's Episcopal Church, joining his wife and kids, to their delight. His love of music took him and Deej to the symphony on a regular basis, and he loved going to plays and musicals at Penobscot Theater and Winterport Open Stage. He had a passion for the beautiful, always finding special treasures to share. He and Deej joined wonderful friends on trips to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, which he declared to be the most beautiful place he'd ever seen. Those who knew Jim will remember a man with a big heart and a fascinating mind. As E.B. White wrote, "It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer." Jim was both.Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 11, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, July 12, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 225 French St., Bangor, with the Rev. Canon Mary Ann Taylor officiating. A reception will be immediately after the service in the church. Jim's family asks that you please consider supporting Fred Jones Music Fund, 234 French St., Bangor, ME 04401; or Winterport Memorial Library, 229 Main St., Winterport, ME 04496. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.