James "Jim" William Van Patten's Obituary
James “Jim” William Van Patten, 75, of Baldwinsville, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023, after a period of failing health. Jim was born in Auburn on June 11th, 1948, and was raised in Central Square by his foster parents, the late Harvey and Marion Mugglin, and reared by the Elmcrest Children’s Center in Syracuse. He graduated from Central Technical High School in 1966. Jim was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1968 and served for just over a year in the Army. He met the love of his life, Charlotte, in 1965, whom he married in 1979. He worked many years at each job he had overtime. He was employed as a bus garage attendant for Central Square schools, then as an employee at the R.E. Dietz factory, then as a maintenance worker, mechanic, and car transporter at Alan Byer Volvo, and then did landscaping, and later was a garage attendant, for Longley Jones, before retiring in 2007. In his younger days, Jim had a passion for cars and motorcycles. He also was an avid handyman who would always be working on a project at any given time. He enjoyed camping each weekend for many decades. In retirement, his favorite activity to do was to watch TV. You would always find Jim watching either a western movie, action movie, or professional wrestling. Jim went by the nickname “Oscar” for many years. He will always be remembered for his witty remarks and as a stubborn yet lovable guy, who had a generous and big heart. He will be dearly missed and thought of fondly and often.
Jim was predeceased by his daughter, Sharon Van Patten in 2020, and best friends, Chuck DeMarco in 2007, and Russ Myers in 2010.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, and life companion of 58 years, Charlotte Van Patten; his children, Todd (Nicole) Van Patten and Theresa (Anthony) Austin; his grandchildren, Cory Hart (Todd Davison), Sheyanna Austin, and Baron Van Patten; his great-grandchildren, Aiyla Osorio and Aariya Osorio; his sister-in-law, Heidi Beechner; and longtime family friend, Laurie Kline.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Veteran’s Affair for their help over the years with Jim and all his medical needs. Also, they are very appreciative of the care Jim received from Hospice of Central New York during the last week of his life. They would like to acknowledge Sue Shick, R.N., the nurse who made home visits regularly and provided compassion, care, and insight, for all her hard work and assistance over the years.
Calling hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18th, 2023, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m.
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