FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The man behind the store Patrick James in Fresno’s Fig Garden Village has died.
Patrick James Mon Pere passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 11, 2019.
Mon Pere was born in Fresno in 1931, he later graduated from Fresno High School and went on to military service in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Starting in 1962, in one of the first leased stores in Fig Garden Village, Mon Pere grew his small private label – Ivy League classic looks to Patrick James, “West Coasts Classics” in a dozen locations in several states, an online presence, a national catalog and a Promotional business, helping out other retailers across the country.
The prominent Fresno businessman had a 60 year career in men’s clothing.
Wayne Gomes worked for him at his first store in Fresno.
“I learned well from Pat, I really did. It’s something you don’t learn in school. That’s for sure,” said Gomes.
Patrick was the recipient of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce Harold Zinkin Entrepreneur of the year award and received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by MR Magazine for retailing Hall of Fame in New York City.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 10 AM at the Shrine of St. Therese in Fresno with interment following at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Remembrances suggested in lieu of flowers be sent to the Nazareth House, 2121 North First Street, Fresno, Ca. 93703 or to Catholic Charities, 149 North Fulton Street, Fresno, Ca. 93701.
Donations may be made to:
The Nazareth House
2121 North 1st Street, Fresno CA 93703
Catholic Charities
149 North Fulton, Fresno CA 93701
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
