Obituary of James "Seaweed" Pettie

Greece: James “Seaweed” Pettie, number 31, left the world on August 31, after a tough but brief battle with cancer. He was received into the arms of his mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Pettie; father, James Pettie and sister Karen MacDonald.

     He leaves behind his “sunshine,” daughter, Kara (Adam) Vincent, and “rainbows,” Madeline and Lillian Vincent of Harrisburg, NC. He is also survived by the love of his life of 30 years, Kathy Olney and his stepdaughter, Jennifer Olney Smith both of Rochester; nieces, Sarah and Michelle MacDonald of Ontario, Canada, and his longtime friend and former wife, Jan Pettie.

     He was well known for his tenacity on the ice racking up unprecedented penalty minutes for a goalie while he played for the Dayton Gems, Rochester Americans, and Boston Bruins in the 1970s.  His gutsy play quickly earned the love and support of fans everywhere and he became a fan favorite. Everyone came to enjoy his fun sense of humor and his ability to give nicknames to everyone. Because of this he will be deeply missed by everyone but especially, his Amerk Alumni teammates who were like brothers to him.

     In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or to the Rochester Americans Alumni Association, 111 VanVoorhis Ave Rochester NY 14617 or Venmo- @RochesterAmericans-Alumni

     A Celebration of Life will be held for the family separately.