Chris Wedes, aka JP Patches (left) and his longtime co-star, Bob Newman, aka Gertrude

The City of Seattle has been fortunate to be the home of many great artists, thinkers, and performers of all types—but one of our most treasured and enduring icons will forever be Chris Wedes, better known as J P Patches.  On television from 1958 to 1981, Mr. Wedes entertained generations of Seattle-area children and adults with his unrehearsed show, broadcasted live and often twice a day.  Friendly and mischievous, J P Patches delighted audiences with an improvised style and charm that was as unique as it was hilarious, enlisting the help of a vast array of zany characters, most of them played by his friend and co-star Bob Newman.  JP Patches made such an impact on our community that when he passed away earlier this year, many Seattleites felt that they had lost a member of the family.

In honor of Seattle’s favorite clown, today the Mayor’s office is proposing legislation that will rename North 34^th Street between Fremont Ave North and Troll Ave North as “JP Patches Place.”  Many will recognize this stretch of street as the location of the JP Patches memorial statue.

Thanks for all the joy, friendship, and laughs you’ve given us, JP.  We will never forget you.

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Posted by: Sam Johnston