James Oscar "Nippy" Patrick

Obituary For James Oscar "Nippy" Patrick

Funeral service for James Patrick, 70, of Columbus, GA, will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Harris Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Evergreen Cemetery, 1409 Monroe Avenue, Opelika, AL, 36804, Reverend Randy Ambrose, Sr. will officiate.

Mr. Patrick, who passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the River Towne Center in Columbus, Georgia, was born on April 9, 1954.

Nippy was a proud graduate of R.C. Hatch High School in Union Town, Alabama, where he first discovered his love for basketball—a passion that would follow him throughout his life. He carried this love into his college years at Chattahoochee Valley Community College, where he not only expanded his knowledge but also honed his skills on the court, much to the delight and cheer of his fellow students and teammates.

After his academic endeavors, Nippy translated his joy for life into a career that, while diverse, always reflected his interests and character. He never lost his touch for basketball, often playing in community leagues and always ready for a pickup game at the local park. His love for the sport was only matched by his love for fishing, a pastime that allowed him the tranquility to reflect on life's simple pleasures and the excitement of a catch on a serene morning.

Those who knew Nippy would describe him as the epitome of loving and kind. He was a man who greeted everyone with a warm smile and an open heart. His presence was a comfort, his laughter contagious, and his ability to uplift others was unparalleled. Nippy's generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of crossing his path.

Public viewing will held on the day of the service.

He leaves to cherish his memory: three children, Jeronda Boyce (KaDiri) Gates of Opelika, AL, Joy (Randy, Jr.) Ambrose of Smiths Station, AL and Craig Patrick of Columbus, GA; eight grandchildren, Janea Owens, Jelani Boyce, Alexis Boyce, Alexia Boyce, Icis Ellis, Randy Ambrose III, Tahari Patrick and Aaliyah Simmons; two great-grandchildren, Gia Gates and Gennis Gates; six sisters, Paulette Patrick, Helen (Lee Curtis) Minor, Edith (Curtis) Nord all of Union Town, AL, Gladys Johnson of Tuscaloosa, AL, Norma Hill of Birmingham, AL and Ruthie (Moses) Jones of Newbern, AL; one brother, Angelo Patrick, Jr. of Attleboro, MA; one uncle, James H. (Ethel) Patrick of Columbus, GA; one aunt, Eddie Lee Blakeky of Boston, MA; godson, Antonio (Tiffany) Hall of Columbus, GA; two special friends, Jacob German and Robert Bowden both of Columbus, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Harris Funeral Home is directing.

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