Ken Schram: J.P. Patches will live on
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The face paint was never meant to conceal. It was to let everyone see who he really was.
J.P. Patches' place in the world is marked by the legions of kids who found life lessons mixed in with zany comedy and gentle guidance.
J.P..'s alter ego was one Chris Wedes. Chris passed away over the weekend.
At 84 years of age, death still came too soon for a man that was forever young at heart.
The J.P. Patches show hit Seattle television back in 1958. I have never - literally never - met someone born and raised here during the time that program was on the air who was not a "Patches Pal."
Kids of all ages adored J.P. Patches.
And as those kids grew and had their own kids, the love was shared from generation to generation.
There was always something very real about J.P.; something that kids and their parents found reassuring and funny and worthwhile.
For more than 50 years, the "mayor of the city dump" gave people reason to laugh and reason to believe.
Chris Wedes fought a form of blood cancer these past several years. Sunday, surrounded by his family, he passed.
J.P.?
I'm pretty sure he'll live on.
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com. You can also connect with Ken on Facebook.
J.P. Patches' place in the world is marked by the legions of kids who found life lessons mixed in with zany comedy and gentle guidance.
J.P..'s alter ego was one Chris Wedes. Chris passed away over the weekend.
At 84 years of age, death still came too soon for a man that was forever young at heart.
The J.P. Patches show hit Seattle television back in 1958. I have never - literally never - met someone born and raised here during the time that program was on the air who was not a "Patches Pal."
Kids of all ages adored J.P. Patches.
And as those kids grew and had their own kids, the love was shared from generation to generation.
There was always something very real about J.P.; something that kids and their parents found reassuring and funny and worthwhile.
For more than 50 years, the "mayor of the city dump" gave people reason to laugh and reason to believe.
Chris Wedes fought a form of blood cancer these past several years. Sunday, surrounded by his family, he passed.
J.P.?
I'm pretty sure he'll live on.
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com. You can also connect with Ken on Facebook.
I wrote JP a fan letter in 2007, and he actually wrote me back, I felt so honored! Still do, loved him so much!
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HI JAYLENEKAY, WOW, WHAT A GREAT EMAIL!! THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES THAT YOU HAVE. I HAVE DESIDED TO JUST DO MY APPEARANCES WITH ALL MY OLD PATCHES PALS. THAT KEEPS ME VERY BUSY. WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW? GLAD YOU ARE STILL A PATCHES PAL!! REGARDS CHRIS WEDES AKA JP.  -----
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Original Message -----From:Â Jaylenekay To:Â JPPatches@JPPatches.com Sent:Â Monday, April 16, 2007 10:12 AMSubject:Â A very special THANK YOU, first time letter! PLZ Read
R.I.PÂ O.G. Juggalo
I used to get up at 6:30 with my dad, have a bowl of Rice Krispies, then watch JP Patches before school.
Gertrude, Esmeralda, and that always mysterious "oogo chacka oogo chacka ooga chacka" thing! :-) Â
I will always remember growing up watching you I am so sad. I still have the ticket to when I saw him live in Bremerton and the picture I took with him.
I don't think I can add much that others haven't already mentioned, but I do want to say that JP was a big part of my day for many years, and I do remember him fondly. Â There were other local TV kids shows that I watched sometimes, but they just didn't have the same attraction for me. Â How many people remember Brakeman Bill (on the air for 20 years), Captain Puget, or Stan Boreson? Â How about Wunda Wunda or Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop? Shari Lewis wasn't a local artist, but still in the same vein. Â I don't mean to speak badly of those people, and indeed, Stan Boreson is still performing, and I think I appreciate his Scandinavian humor more as an adult than I did then (check out "I Just Don't Look Good Naked Any More" on YouTube"). Â Even Captain Kangaroo and Mister Rogers didn't have the appeal for me that JP did. Â JP was a friend, a pal, a buddy who cared about you, wanted to help steer you right, celebrated your birthday with you, and reminded you to brush your teeth. Â I can't think of a better role model for children, and it brings tears to my eyes thinking of him now. Â JP will live on in our hearts, and he will never be replaced.
 @magic_eye Brakeman Bill, Captain Puget, Stan Boreson (and Slo Mo) as well as JP were all in my growing up.. JP will be dearly missed..
We bought our first t.v. in 1961, and I have had J. P. Patches in my life ever since. Growing up in a dysfunction, often violent household, J. P. was often a fantasy parent.  He never yelled, he never hit, and he never demeaned. His comedy was something I looked forward to every morning. I have had the great pleasure of meeting J. P. a few years ago when he performed in my hometown.  Upon hearing of his upcoming performance here, I sent a brief e mail welcoming him to the area, and of my admiration for his work with kids. To my utter shock, he read my e mail to the theater prior to his performence, stated he was not deserving, and thanked ME. Rest in peace gentle soul. You will be fondly remembered for many years to come.Â
Missed many school bus watching J.P.In the morning.RIP
I was a young child in this area during the 60's. Like every Seattle child I was a HUGE fan of JP Patches. Then the 70's came along, the economy went downhill and my family was forced to move to another state in order to find work. As sad as I was about leaving behind my school, our house and all my friends it pales in comparison to how upset I was to discover that JP's show wasn't available in my new state.Â
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RIP JP. You will live on in the hearts and minds of Patches Pals for a very long time.
I will miss J.P. Best part of the day was waking up to go watch J.P. Patches on tv. He will be deeply missed by all that loved him.Â
I am so sad. I'll never forget the day JP danced with me, gave me a kiss on the cheek and big hug. I'll always be his Patches Pal. RIP JP Patches you will be greatly missed. : (
I'm a sad Patches Pal today. Thanks, Ken, for giving the icon his due today. I didn't hear about his passing till your show.
A gold star for you Ken. His passing is sad, but he will live forever in our eyes and minds.
tears for a clown... Â thanks, ken
Thanks Ken.Â
Thank you, J.P. for being my friend at time when I really needed one growing up. You may have left your Patches Pals, but you'll never be forgotten by them.
Well said!
Has there ever been, or will there ever be, a greater gift to the greater Seattle area than Chris Wedes? Â I think not. Â
Rest in peace J.P. and thanks for the millions of laughs along the way!
my name is rick and i got an e-mail about JP patches from my parents i remember him when i was growing up   in tacoma washington its sad to hear of his passing my parents still live in marysvill washington st. today
God bless JP Patches!
Patches you will be missed. Every time your name is mentioned, or someone recalls you, thinks of the joy and laughs you brought to so many - you LIVE on and on. Rest In Peace, the heavens gain a brilliant star with your soul up there...
Amen Ken, I agree with you wholeheartedly on this one.