J. Patrick Tufts, age 54, of Marysville, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 13, 2023, at home following a courageous 10 year battle with cancer.
On June 11, 1969, Patrick was born in Columbus, Ohio, the younger of two sons of the late Jerry Francis and Loretta “Jean” (Simpson) Tufts. They moved to Galena, where he graduated from Big Walnut High School in the class of 1987. He furthered his education at Columbus State University, studying automotive technology.
For 10 years, Patrick worked for the Transportation Research Center (TRC) in East Liberty, Ohio, as an engineering technician. He then was adopted from TRC by Honda Research and Development, continuing his work there for several years. He then worked at several car dealerships, including Infiniti of Dublin and the Len Immke Group, where he was the parts and service manager at their Buick dealership.
In 1992, Patrick was introduced to Holly Ann Owens, by his sister-in-law, Carol Tufts, who knew Holly since kindergarten. From there, the rest is history. Pat and Holly connected instantly, each sharing their lifelong struggles with Crohn’s disease. They were married on November 30, 1996, and they each cherished every minute of their 26 years together. In 1998, they moved to Marysville, which quickly became home for them.
To say Patrick was a car fanatic would be an understatement. Once he caught the car bug around 16, he was hooked. He was an Oldsmobile, muscle car, and Chevy Corvette enthusiast, owning too many of those prized possessions over the years to count. Being a mechanic came naturally for Patrick, and he earned his Automotive Service Excellence credentials. In addition to tinkering on his own cars, he loved helping his friends and family whenever they had a good challenge for him.
Throughout Patrick’s life, he had always been very curious and studious about many subjects, including but not limited to weather, history and music. Early on, he considered becoming a meteorologist until cars got in the way. Nevertheless, he still became an official weather spotter, keeping tabs on all storms and weather events. Having a lifelong love and passion for music, Patrick amassed a huge music collection that consisted of many vinyl records. He loved everything from country to rock, and you never knew what would play next when Patrick was around. He even was a self taught guitar player.
Sharing a love for traveling, Patrick and Holly traveled internationally as often as they could, taking many trips to the United Kingdom to visit Scotland and England. They especially loved British humor, getting a kick out of everything they did. They wished they had more time to travel to learn more about their heritage. They also shared a love for animals, rescuing countless cats and a dog to become a part of their family.
Patrick was a big sports fan, who especially loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Patrick was a very analytical, thorough, and in-depth person, who wanted to know and fully understand everything. His extensive research turned him into a very opinionated and strong-willed individual who was difficult to persuade. He also was a loyal and great friend, who would be there for you whenever you needed him.
Patrick will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Holly Tufts of Marysville; father, Jerry Francis Tufts of Westerville; brother, Michael (Carol) Tufts of Plain City; nephew, Joshua Tufts; numerous Tufts and Simpson cousins; and his many feline friends.
Services honoring Patrick’s life will be observed privately by his family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Delaware County, c/o TNR Program (hsdcohio.org/donate/) or to the James Cancer Center at The Ohio State University to support cancer research (www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/313545).
On behalf of his family, they would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” for the professional care of Dr. Matthew Old and his team at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. A special thanks to all of the caring nurses who helped care for Patrick as well.
Ingram Funeral Home of Marysville is honored to serve Patrick’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.IngramFuneralService.com.