James A. "Cotton" Patterson

James (“Cotton”) Albert Patterson peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at age 89. He was born on April 27, 1935 in Pelham, TN to Julia and Allen Patterson. He was preceded in death by his wife Agnes Patterson and infant grandchild Nathaniel Patterson as well as his sisters, Dean Beavers and Lela Aylor, and brothers, Wayne and Ronald Patterson. Cotton is survived by his children, daughter Robin Patterson and sons Jeff (Christy) Patterson and Stephen Patterson; grandchildren, Riann (John) Bilderback, Colin (Rachel) Tilley, and Christian Patterson; and great-grandchildren, Benjamin Bilderback and Tulip Tilley. He also leaves behind his sister, Nancy Howell and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He owned and operated James Glass Company from 1964 until 2013 when he turned the business over to son Stephen. However, Cotton was perhaps best known for his numerous activities outside of business. He served as Commission of Public Utilities and Recreation and then Councilman for the City of East Ridge. He played significant roles in the East Ridge Boosters Club, the construction of Pioneer Frontier playground, and the amphitheater as well as many other improvements and additions at Camp Jordan Park. Recreation activities, especially youth sports, were a lifelong passion for Cotton, and his impact continues across the region today. He co-founded the East Ridge Umpires and Scorekeepers Association and served as Umpire-in-Chief for numerous state, regional, and national tournaments. For decades, he ran scorekeeper trainings, umpire schools, hospitality rooms, tournaments, and anything else that needed doing from dragging a field to drawing up brackets. If you were at a ballfield, you crossed his path and benefited from his graciousness, and, if you were lucky, he fed you too. Cotton’s generous spirit extended beyond his family, and he had friends from all walks of life. His favorite way to demonstrate his affection was through food, and his fish frys and barbecues were legendary. He was a repeat winner in several regional barbeque cookoffs and was awarded a spot in the famous World Championship Memphis in May competition. His beloved Gezie was quick to claim, “it’s the sauce that makes it good,” but there was no doubt that the combination of their efforts made mouthwatering meals. If barbecue wasn’t on the menu, Cotton was serving up fresh-caught crappie and bream. He knew every nook and cranny on the water, and his favorite fishing holes rarely disappointed. He could filet a fish as fast as he could reel one into his boat. Cotton’s true pleasure was feeding people, and he often did so for free for various civic and charity events. Many community workers, volunteers, recreation officials, coaches, as well as family and friends enjoyed his unique style of fellowship. Cotton’s personality was large and dynamic. Despite the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease, he maintained his mischievous nature and a twinkle in his eye. His loss will be felt by many, but his impact on others will continue onward. His family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Signature Healthcare of Monteagle for the gentle and kind care he received for his final years. Visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 1:00p until 3:00p at Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Chapel. Scattering of ashes will occur privately at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent on his behalf to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga at 1201 E. Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408 or the Miracle League of Chattanooga through the YMCA at 301 W. 6th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402