James K. Patrick Jr.

Patrick, James K. Jr. LEESBURG, Fla. James K. Patrick Jr., 85, of Leesburg, died at home on Sunday, October 5, 2008 after a short illness. Born in Lansingburgh on April 27, 1923, he was the son of Irene (Woodard) and James Patrick. He graduated from Lansingburgh High School in 1940 and, three years later, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. degree in economics in 1943. Upon completion of his education, he voluntarily enlisted in the Army and chose to serve in Rudder's Rangers during World War II. His first battle was at the Invasion of Normandy on D-day where he, and other men in his unit, climbed the embankments above Omaha Beach nearest to Point-du-Hoc. He was awarded both a Silver Star and Bronze Star for his valor in combat, and two Purple Hearts for injuries that he received in other major battles of the war. When he returned home after the war in 1945, he met his first wife, Elizabeth Bumstead, whom he married a year later. Together, he and Elizabeth raised five sons. He began working in her family's business - Bumstead Chevrolet in Troy, N.Y. and within five years, had become the owner and president. He successfully grew the business into one of the largest Chevrolet franchises in New York State before selling it in 1981. He later became employed by Keybank, N.A. ultimately serving as its president for ten years until he retired in 1994. In 1979, he married Evelyn Lawler, who shared his love of thoroughbred horses, and they started a horse farm in Easton, New York. About that same time, he adopted Evelyn's two daughters whom he cared for deeply over the ensuing 25 years. He was very active in the community, serving on many civic and business boards including: Keybank, Cerebral Palsy, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, president of the New York State Auto Dealers Association in the mid-50s, Pee-Wee Hockey Association, director for the Center for Economic Growth, and president of the Park Playhouse. He found time to enjoy several hobbies and sports. He was an avid golfer and competed in many New York State two-man golf championships. Over the years, he belonged to several country clubs, having been a former member of Troy, Wolferts Roost and Schuyler Meadows Country Club. Summer weekends, he loved to fish for lake trout on Lake George in the early morning, and play tennis in the afternoon. He also loved to play squash, and was an avid airplane pilot. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Lawler Patrick of Leesburg; his sons, James K. (Nancy) of Menands, William B. (Carmel) of Troy, David M. of Delmar, and Steven J. of Troy; his daughters, Eve G. (Michael) Gould of Leesburg and Susan C. Patrick of Mt. Dora, Fla.; also survived by eight grandchildren, James K. IV (Stephanie) of Ipswich, Mass., Lori W. (Will) Cabrera of Beverly Farms, Mass., Courtney J. Patrick of Boston, Mass., Tarin Patrick of Boston, Mass., Caleb Patrick of Troy, Jillian Gould of Leesburg, Maggie Magnier of Mt. Dora and Allen Goodman III of Clifton Park, N.Y. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Kyle, Elizabeth and Margaret Patrick of Ipswich. Mr. Patrick is also survived by his former wife, Elizabeth B. Patrick. He was predeceased by a son, Thomas R. Patrick. There will be no calling hours and interment service will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m. in Saint John's Episcopal Church located at 146 1st Street, Troy, N.Y with Rev. Dr. Harold Carrier, rector, officiating. The family has requested that those who wish to remember Jim make memorial contributions to the Center for Disability Services, 314 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 in his memory. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com