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Calumet – James E. Patrick, 87, of Calumet passed away at the Omega House on June 11, 2019.
Jim was born on March 30, 1932 during a blizzard on the family farm in Traprock.
The family later moved to Copper City where Jim attended school and then graduated from Calumet High School in 1950. He then attended the school of ‘Hard Knocks’ (as he put it).
In 1951 he married Shirley Dahlgren and they had four children together. In 1988 they went their separate ways. Jim married Carol Strasser of Calumet in 1989; they recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
Jim was very proud of being in business for over 50 years which included the sawmill, Mohawk Superette, and especially the 30 years of Superior Crafts in Mohawk. ‘The Shop’ as we called it consisted of rustic furniture, demolition of old mines, logging, and the scrap metals. He employed more than 200 hard working men and women over the years.
All who knew Jim were aware of what a hard worker he was; when asked why he worked so hard he replied ‘it’s not work, it’s fun’, because he thoroughly enjoyed what he was doing. Finally retiring at age 72 his pastime became daily metal detecting; you would often see Jim off the highway by by ‘the shop’. Throughout the years he also played baseball, golfed, and bowled. He was an avid Detroit Tigers and Green Bay Packers fan. One of his greatest pleasures was playing pinochle, ‘get out the cards!’
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas & Viola Patrick, and sons Gary & Bruce.
He is survived by wife Carol, sister Nancy Marhley (Norm) of Brighton MI, brother Gerald Patrick (Carol) of Mohawk, brother Roger Patrick (Marlene) of Henderson NV, daughter Cheryl Patrick (Jim Bayles) of Laurium, daughter Marcia Patrick (Mike Lincoln) of Mohawk. Also surviving are step-sons Al Garrow, Ron Garrow, Jesse Garrow, and step-daughters Wendy
Garrow, and Cheryl Strasser; cousins, numerous nieces and nephews.
Per Jim’s request, cremation has taken place and the family will have a private memorial service. Burial will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery in Calumet.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com The Erickson Crowley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jim will be remembered as a very special and generous man. He will be deeply missed.
