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James "Seaweed" Pettie

FUNERAL HOME

Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, Inc.

12 South Avenue

Webster, New York

James Pettie Obituary

James "Seaweed" Pettie

Greece - James "Seaweed" Pettie, number 31, left the world on August 31, after a tough but brief battle with cancer. He was received into the arms of his mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Pettie; father, James Pettie and sister Karen MacDonald.

He leaves behind his "sunshine," daughter, Kara (Adam) Vincent, and "rainbows," Madeline and Lillian Vincent of Harrisburg, NC. He is also survived by the love of his life of 30 years, Kathy Olney and his stepdaughter, Jennifer Olney Smith both of Rochester; nieces, Sarah and Michelle MacDonald of Ontario, Canada, and his longtime friend and former wife, Jan Pettie.

He was well known for his tenacity on the ice racking up unprecedented penalty minutes for a goalie while he played for the Dayton Gems, Rochester Americans, and Boston Bruins in the 1970s. His gutsy play quickly earned the love and support of fans everywhere and he became a fan favorite. Everyone came to enjoy his fun sense of humor and his ability to give nicknames to everyone. Because of this he will be deeply missed by everyone but especially, his Amerk Alumni teammates who were like brothers to him.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or to the Rochester Americans Alumni Association, 111 VanVoorhis Ave Rochester NY 14617 or Venmo- @RochesterAmericans-Alumni. A Celebration of Life will be held for the family separately.

Willard H. Scott Funeral Home

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Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on Sep. 2, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Pettie

Sponsored by Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, Inc..

20 Entries

Cory Nash

April 11, 2023

I belatedly came across the news that Jim had passed. I've lived down south for almost 30 years, but grew up playing hockey in Rochester. I have fond memories of Jim as my goalie coach for several years of Rochester Youth Hockey with head coach Ray Maluta. Jim was a great coach for a hard-headed kid who thought he knew it all. I learned more from him about goaltending (and life) than almost anyone else in hockey. My deepest condolences to his family.

Ron Baia

March 30, 2020

I was 12 years old when I first saw Jim I was a young goalie at the time and a huge Bruins fan I grew up in New Haven and he was a must see every-time in town to play the Nighthawks. He may be gone but I am blessed with the memories he gave me and a lot of others, I am 56 now and still would think of the games he played here and briefly with the Bruins. Rest In Peace god bless you Seaweed....

Nikki Furber

September 8, 2019

My heart is broken to hear the news of Seaweed. Jim called me often.. He always had something funny to say about the good old years playing with my Uncle Barry Smith. There were alot of laughs and tears on both sides of the conversation. When my uncle passed 6 years ago yesterday, ( Sept 7th 2013) Jim was devastated to hear. We spoke for hours that day. He told me also about taking my Grandma on a date to go and watch a canuck vs Boston game here in Vancouver. Seaweed had a heart of gold. Very sweet, funny as hell of a man. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Now Jim, you get to play hockey up in heaven with Barry. RIP my friend. From: Nicole Furber ~ Vancouver, B.C

Al Nucci

September 6, 2019

To the Pettie family. He was a true sports hero in Rochester. He will be missed by many who knew him. May he rest in peace! He nicknamed my son at Niagara " Rudy" for making the D-1 hockey team as a walk on.

Elane Bednarski

September 5, 2019

To the Pettie Family
Please accept my humble condolences on the passing of Jim. I knew him over many hockey seasons and he could always make me laugh. He was always fun and I was terribly saddened to hear of his passing. I know he will be greatly missed.

John Kuehl

September 5, 2019

Weed , I lived in Boston when you played for the Bruins .. and am originally from Rochester. I saw most of your career and always enjoyed watching you play. Your toughness and tenacity will always be something I admire. Rest In Peace Weed you will be missed terribly...

Bill and Julie Petsos

September 5, 2019

To the Pettie family....
We are so sorry for your loss. We knew Jim during his Amerk years. He was a good man and had a great sense of humor! May you find comfort in beautiful memories of him.

Sincerely,

Raymond Greis

September 3, 2019

Condolences to Jim's family and friends. Jim was a great friend during the Amerks years. Chris Petsos and I actually shared a town house with Jim and Gary Carr. We had a lot of great times together, including a trip to Florida. Unfortunately, Jim and I lost track as I transferred to Cincinnati due to my job. However, I will never forget the way he lit up a room and his sense of humor. Again, I hope Kara and all of Jim's family know he will be missed. Jim was truly one of a kind.

Michael Tucciarello

September 2, 2019

My condolences to Jim's family, What a great person he was, a man of his word, a great friend, and the best of dad's, He will be missed by us all, Luv ya my friend.

Michele Rein

September 2, 2019

Our deepest sympathy to the whole Pettie Family.

Jim was a sweetheart to me as a kid, as well as throughout the years at Amerks Alumni events that I attended with my husband Kenton, also an Amerks Alumni.

This photo of my brother and I, Jim, his mom and sister Karen was taken at Sweaty Betty's house in Toronto by my dad Rollie Marchetti who was a penalty box attendant for the Amerks for 30 years. Date on back of photo August 1979.

This photo of my brother and I, Jim, his mom Sweaty Betty and sister Karen. August 1979

Michele Rein

September 2, 2019

Jim Bannatyne

September 2, 2019

Kara and family so sorry for your loss
Jim and I were both from Weston where we never met until we became teammates in Dayton. He was a great teammate but an even better loyal friend
Seaweed love you
Banner

Charles Dietz

September 2, 2019

Kara, Jan and the entire Pettie family,

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Will always remember Jim and the countless hours he spent with us and our kids with hockey and cheerleading while growing up. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Chuck and Pati Dietz

Cherie & Gary Glosser

September 2, 2019

Kara, So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. We will always remember the great times we had with him on the soccer field. Cherish the memories. Keeping you and your family in our prayers at this difficult time.

George Hulme

September 2, 2019

Condolences to the family.
Seaweed and I go all the way back to the Toronto Red Wings in the sixties.
We all loved him and his sense of humour.
RIP Weed.

Fulvio Sansone

September 2, 2019

My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and to the many friends.

Tony Sorci

September 1, 2019

Deepest condolences Kara and family. Your dad was one of the nicest people I have ever worked with. We were Co workers in mod door, then he became my committee man, he always had our backs. But most of all he was a friend we had some good times. He will be missed.

Margaret Kurtz

September 1, 2019

I met him only once very briefly. He was my friend, Kathy Olneys' guy. My condolences to all of his loved ones.

Michael Lovett

September 1, 2019

Miss you and the great times at Delco.

John Misiaszek

September 1, 2019

Kara,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Our memories of him on the sidelines,yelling at the refs, getting me almost kicked out, yelling "I can't hear you!" to The Hoove. He was priceless and a dear friend. May he rest in peace.

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