James Richard Patnode, a resident of Queensbury who grew up in Guilderland, died at home on Sunday, April 12, 2020, following an extensive cardiac history, surrounded by his wife and family. He was 75.

He was born on March 27, 1945 in Burlington, Vermont and was the son of the late Richard and Eleanor (née Morrell) Patnode.

Mr. Patnode was a 1963 graduate of Guilderland Central High School and married his childhood sweetheart and high school lab partner, Marcie Hall. He received his bachelor of science degree from Syracuse University, graduating magna cum laude with a dual degree in pulp-and-paper engineering and chemical engineering.

He was a sergeant in the United States Air Force with the rank of Airman First Class stationed at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, working on the Titan II Missiles. He received a letter of commendation from the former Commander in Chief Richard Nixon for saving a Titan II Missile Site.

“Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and always put his family first,” his family wrote in a tribute. “His mannerisms were legendary and he brought light and laughter to our lives. He had a quick wit and great sense of humor never missing an opportunity to ‘tune someone up.’

“He was a walking encyclopedia and loved trivia especially sports trivia. Jim and Marcie had the pleasure of taking 13 cruises together. As a family, they took many vacations to Cape Cod and Lake Placid with lots of fun and laughter. He loved going to his kids’ and grandkids’ swim meets, softball and baseball games.

“Jim had a long career in the pulp-and-paper industry, working for Scott Paper, Tembec Inc. and his own consulting business. Throughout his career he was able to travel the world visiting places like Korea, New Zealand, Japan, Belgium, and all over Europe.”

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James Richard Patnode is survived by his caring and loving wife of 52 years, Marcie (née Hall) Patnode of Queensbury; his daughter, Corey Leeret of Natick, Massachusetts; his son, Christopher Patnode and wife, Kristin, of Glens Falls; his three grandchildren, Benjamin Leeret, Brooke Patnode, and Makenzie Backus; his sister, Diane Patnode of Fairfax, Vermont; and two aunts, Madeline Patnode of Alburg, Vermont and Patricia Coyne of Weymouth, Massachusetts.

His parents died before him, as did his brother, Michael Patnode.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Burial will be at Pine View Cemetery, Queensbury. There are no calling hours scheduled due to the pandemic.

Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Post Office Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516.