James H. Patches Dies at 81 After Six Decades of Marriage

A longtime agricultural professional and member of his local Christian congregation, James H. Patches of Myerstown, Pennsylvania, died suddenly Monday, October 19, 2026, at age 81. His obituary published by Lebanon Daily News on October 20 identified his wife, Jean M. (Bross) Patches, and outlined funeral arrangements for the following weekend.

Patches worked as a farmer and also sold crop supplies, according to his obituary. His family and church community will gather at Heidelberg Church of the Brethren in Myerstown for visitation and funeral services on October 23 and 24.

Patches and his wife marked 61 years of marriage in August, the obituary said. He was also a faithful Christian and a member of One Hope Brethren Church.

His surviving family includes his wife, daughter Debbie (Jonathan) Summy, daughter-in-law Renee (Wenger) Patches, nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. His surviving siblings include sisters Ruth (David) Keller and Naomi (Luke) Bucher, along with brother-in-law Joe (Liz) Alspaugh, as well as nieces and nephews.

Patches was born to the late Howard and Martha (Cassel) Patches. His son Daniel J. Patches, brother Mark C. (Alta) Patches and sister Grace E. (Joe) Alspaugh died before him, according to the obituary.

The first visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 23, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Heidelberg Church of the Brethren, located at 162 E. Reistville Road, Myerstown, PA 17067. The gathering will provide an opportunity for family and community members to pay their respects.

A second viewing is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 10 a.m., also at Heidelberg Church of the Brethren. Burial will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.

Clauser Funeral Home Inc. of Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, is handling the arrangements, according to the obituary published in Lebanon Daily News.