October 29, 1948 — May 1, 2026
James Edward Patrick, 77, of Kenova, WV went to his heavenly home on Friday, May 1, 2026. Born in Winchester, KY, on October 29, 1948 to the late Lawson and Marie (Ulery) Patrick, Jim was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was a beacon of generosity, constantly pouring out his love to those around him. His contagious laughter and sense of humor created an atmosphere of joy wherever he went. Jim was an assiduous man, who put his heart and soul into every endeavor.Jim was a proud US Navy Veteran, having served his country with the Brown Water Navy in Vietnam. He was an advocate for veterans and disability issues, having advised legislature for numerous years at local, state, and national levels. Jim was a skilled boilermaker, proving his dedication and hard work in the construction trades. His commitment to his craft led him to become a respected member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers AFL-CIO Local 40 (Elizabethtown, KY), and Local 105 (Chillicothe, OH). Jim was a member of Smith Masonic Lodge F&AM # 775, the Scottish Rite, El-Hasa Shrine, Charter Member of the El-Hasa Shrine Legion of Honor, Disabled American Veterans at large member, Kentucky-Indiana Paralyzed Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Legion Post 007 (Frankfort, KY) and Post 93 (Kenova, WV), Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4075, the Vietnam Mobile Riverine Force Association and was a Kentucky Colonel.
Jim was a loving husband to Rita, whom he married on April 13, 1971. Their love story is an inspiration to all who know them. He is also survived by his children Sarah (Dana) Smith and Charles (Sonya) Patrick; grandchildren Carmen Smith (Antonio Gray), Warren (Lousinda) Smith, Cassity Patrick, Isabella Patrick, Lillian Patrick, and Savannah Patrick; great-grandchildren Noah Smith, Emma Hazlett, Sierra Hazlett, Ian Hazlett-Gray, Leslie Moore, and Leah Moore; sisters Patti (John) Lauver and Judie Patrick; brother Danny (Lisa) Patrick; nieces Danielle Patrick and Amy (Aaron) Tyler; and nephews Reed Lauver, Tommy Rech, Steven (Samantha) Rech, David (Gina) Perry, Michael (Jackie) Perry, Ross (Tammy) Morgan, and Brad (Lindsay) Morgan.
The book of Job 1:21 says, “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Preston Family Funeral Home with Chaplain Jimm Smedley officiating. Smith Masonic Lodge will provide Masonic Rites at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast. Friends will be greeted by the family from 10:00 AM until time of services on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Preston Family Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center, the Home Based Primary Care Team, the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, and the many home heath care providers that provided excellent care and treated him like their own family.
