James (Jim) Patterson was born March 8, 1946 in Johnstown, PA and departed this earthly realm for a home with his heavenly Father on Tuesday, March 31 ^st , 2020. Jim moved to Palm Beach county with his late parents, Betty (Bowers) and Roy A. Patterson, and his late grandparents, Jim Bowers and Ruth (Rish) Bowers when he was 18 months old.

Jim attended Palm Beach Central School, Forest Park Elementary, Boynton Junior High, and Seacrest High, graduating in 1964 with a perfect attendance record from K through 12, of which he was very proud. Jim also attended Palm Beach Junior College, and Florida Atlantic University. Attendance during his college years was not a high priority if the surf was up and he was riding the waves off Briny Breezes on his 9'8" Miller board.

Jim excelled at many sports. He pitched in the very first Little League game in Boynton Beach and played baseball, football, tennis, and golf. He tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates after high school. He also played at Connie Mack Field and never got over the fact that the Kravis Center now occupies his former Field of Dreams. He fished, water skied, and surfed. Jim attended the Miami Dolphins home games for over 30 years. Camping in the North Carolina mountains, Fisheating Creek, and the Peace River are favorite family memories.Cruisesthroughout the Caribbean and to Alaska, Europe and Canada were alsofavorite pastimes.

Jim worked for the City of Boynton Beach as the Athletic Supervisor in the recreation department for 30 years. His first real job was delivering the Palm Beach Post mostly along the coastal towns of Delray and Highland Beach. He and his wife Cathy owned Natural Forest Patio for 38 years.

Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cathy, and his two adored daughters, Brittany Patterson, Ashley Patterson Webb, and son-in-law Alan Webb Jr.

Due to the COVID-19 virus no services are planned at this time. A family gathering will take place later in the year.

Jim's family is very grateful to all the doctors, nurses, therapists, and aides who worked tirelessly to enable him to make it to Ashley's and Alan's wedding.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Friends of the Arthur R. Marshall National Wildlife Refuge or to an animal rescue of your choosing.