James Patterson

James Patterson, 1SG, US Army (Ret.) age 92, went home to be with the Lord on April 6, 2022 following a brief illness. He lived his life as a devoted husband, a loving father, brother, steadfast uncle, a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather, and an exceptional friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Eleanor and daughters, Sandra Smith and Donna Ali.

James was born on September 1, 1929 in New Madrid, Missouri. He was raised by his mother Alice Chandler, and grandmother Hattie Hubbard. He was the only boy amongst four siblings, Christine Grant (Sikeston, MO), also Hattie Grant, Fannie Cook and Margaret Morris who preceded James in death.

As a young boy, James knew he wanted to join the US Army. He enlisted in the Army in 1951 at the rank of Private (PVT-1). James went on to serve 21 years in the Army. He served in the Korean war and served two tours in Vietnam. James earned many awards and medals including the Army of Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, 5 Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Drill Sergeant ID Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and Army Commendation Medal. He was most proud of his Bronze Star Medal awarded for meritorious achievement in ground operations and hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam. He retired from the US Army in 1971 at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Always a man with a plan, James started training for life after the Army before he was discharged. James began studying to become a life insurance salesman. His transition into civilian life was seamless. His hard work and dedication paid off, as he quickly became a leading salesman for SunLife Insurance. He was recognized at annual conventions held in Spain, Hawaii, New Orleans, Florida and San Francisco. He retired from the Insurance business after 23 years.

James was unable to “retire”, so he started selling Mary Kay Cosmetics for several years. Once again, a leading salesperson, he earned the coveted Red Jacket for his sales performance. Several years later, James found himself working at Nade Auto Auction in Bordentown, New Jersey. He enjoyed the opportunity to drive a variety of automobiles, and the camaraderie of the guys on the lot.

James finally decided to leave the workforce in his 80’s to enjoy his favorite pastime of fishing. A recreational fisherman all his life, he especially enjoyed short fishing trips with his neighbors, old Army buddies, and his nephews. He was also an avid bowler with a mean curve ball for 25 years. He frequently participated in mixed leagues with his wife Eleanor. James also enjoyed tennis, ping pong, and badminton with his family. He was a collector of R&B albums and loved to entertain at home behind his bar. A true Philadelphia sports fan through and through, James was a diehard EAGLES fan. He was ecstatic when the EAGLES won Super Bowl LII over the new England Patriots.

Although most of his family lived out of state, he enjoyed visiting Missouri to see his sisters, and his many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. His sister Hattie had 16 children, and James had the pleasure of meeting new nieces and nephews when he visited. James was lovingly referred to as “UNCLE”. He was a rock star in his own right.

James is survived by his sister, Christine Grant of Sikeston, MO, his children, Bernard Patterson of New Madrid, MO, and Ronald Smith (Joyce) of Philadelphia, PA, and Patricia Joseph (Arthur), of Fort Washington, MD.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to home health care provider Zainab Bangura, Chef Drew for preparing delicious meals for Dad, and to CJ for visiting Dad at home for haircuts.