James Patrick

James Howard Patrick of Hettinger, North Dakota, passed away on July 26, 2022, in Billings, Montana. James was born to James Gray and Elsie Harris in Orlando, Florida on February 7, 1949. Later, he was adopted by his parents, Thomas, and Opal Patrick. James graduated from Orange County High School in Orlando, Florida, as part of the class of ‘67. After high school, James went on to join the U.S. Army where he served as a heavy vehicle driver. After his medical discharge, James worked as a plumber and later a mechanic for the Florida Department of Transportation before retiring early due to health reasons.

During his experiences as a young man growing up in Florida, his time in the Army, and his participation in Civil War re-enactments, James discovered a passion for gunsmithing, and he would carry that passion with remarkable skill throughout his life. James' heart was in the Great Plains, and in 2001, he moved to South Dakota. He then spent time moving about the West and enjoying himself before finally settling in Hettinger, North Dakota. He dedicated his life to studying and growing his understanding of God and the Bible, and as he never met a stranger, he spent innumerable hours engaging in deep conversation on these topics. James' idea of family did not only include those related to him by blood or legal ties, and he loved his friends fiercely and authentically.

James is survived by daughter, Rena Patrick-Hinson (Dustin), of Warsaw, N.C, daughter, Heather Patrick of Reading, P.A., brother, David Patrick, of Helena, M.T., sister Mary Meisiek of Jacksonville, N.C., brother Robert Gray of Ardmore, T.N., and many extended family and friends that were near and dear to his heart. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Opal Patrick, biological parents James Gray and Elsie Harris, and brother Milton Lee Patrick.

James' life will be celebrated in a memorial for friends and family at 1:00 pm, Sunday, August 7, 2022. The memorial will be held at the Hettinger Senior Center in Hettinger, North Dakota. James' ashes will later be spread over the plains in a private ceremony so that he may live on in the land he loved so much.