Obituary: J.P. Patches 1928-2012

Word comes that Chris Wedes, the alter ego of beloved clown J. P. Patches, died Sunday morning after a long battle with multiple myeloma.

He continued performing up until last year, with his last event being the Fisherman's Festival in Ballard.

J.P. Patches signs autographs in Shoreline
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

One of his last events was in Shoreline, at the July 2011 Shoreline Classic Car Show at Meridian Park Elementary.

J.P. Patches was a part of every childhood in western Washington. He had a gift for being silly and goofy, yet crafty at the same time. He and Gertrude always seemed to let the Patches Pals in on the joke and bring them along for the ride on the tiny tricycle.