ELEANOR PATRICIA JAMES FIDLER
Eleanor Patricia "Pat" James Fidler, 85, widow of Dr. Philip Ray Fidler, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, surrounded by family and loving caregivers.
Born on Aug. 30, 1938, in Smithfield, North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Jasper Thomas "JT" James Jr. and Eleanor Sims Wham James. Early in her childhood, she and her family relocated to Sumter when her father assumed duties as the president and general manager of what would become Sumter's oldest family business, the Sumter Casket Company.
Pat attended Edmunds High School, where she was active in many clubs and organizations. She was a member of the band and voted "most talented" by her senior class for her musical attributes. After graduating from Edmunds High School in 1956, she began pursuing a degree in music at Limestone College before marrying her high school sweetheart and selflessly supporting his career as an Army officer and subsequently a doctor of veterinary medicine.
Her life was the epitome of sacrificial living, love of family, remarkable grace, and faith beyond measure. Pat was a member of Christ Community Church and dedicated her life to her God, her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her extended family, her friends and her community. She was a Sunday school teacher, piano teacher, music teacher, substitute teacher (Wilson Hall), member of the Sumter Shag Club and, unapologetically, an avid Clemson fan. She loved spending time with family and friends, attending her grandchildren's sporting events, and passionately sharing the successes of her children and grandchildren. All that knew her remarked of her beauty, her grace, and her kindness.
She is survived by one brother, J.T. "Bubba" James III (Judy); one son, James R. Fidler (Sheri); seven grandchildren, Brayden Fidler (Kelsey), Patrick Fidler, Alli Reagan Fidler, Fuller Howle, Caleb Howle, Emma Howle and Andrew Howle; one niece, Susan James Mackie (Brent); and one nephew, Michael T. James.
She was preceded in death by one son, Philip B. "Bucky" Fidler (Kim).
The family extends special thanks and gratitude to the staff of MSA Hospice and the angels who loved and cared for her so well during her final days: Mary, Jessie, Sarah, Marilyn, Sally, Marie, Shirley and Rachel.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with Chaplain Ray Fidler Rivers officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at Pat's home, 570 Pringle Drive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Community Church, 320 Loring Mill Road, Sumter, SC, 29150; to Wilson Hall School, 520 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150; or to the South Carolina Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, 2142 Boyce St., Suite 402, Columbia, SC 29201.
Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.