James Patterson Obituary

James T. (Pat) Patterson, Colonel USAF Retired, and gentleman of the highest order, passed away on December 18, 2005 at Sterling House in Blue Water Bay. He was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. He worked his way through two years of college at the University of Minnesota, so that he could join the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1939 as a flying cadet. He was a flying instructor during WWII, commanded and rebuilt Wiesbaden Air Base and Camp Lindsey in the occupation forces, and flew in the Berlin Airlift. Maxwell AFB, AL, Tyndall AFB, FL, Pepperell AFB, Newfoundland, Ent AFB, CO, and Hickam AFB, HI, are among his assignments in 30 years of dedicated service. He retired in Colorado Springs in 1969, did volunteer duty with the Colorado Golf Association, and traveled the world with his first wife, Marion Playman Patterson, who died in 1997. His second wife, Francis McGlothlin Patterson, died in 2004, and he moved to join his son and daughter-in-law, Jock and Jane Patterson in Niceville, FL. He was a life member of the Order of Daedalians and a long time participant with the ORBS at Peterson Field. Golf played a dominant role in his life. His started as a country club caddy in his teens. In his prime he was a single digit handicapper with seven holes-in-one. He played his last round four days after turning 90 on November 25, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wives; brothers: Bill and Wallace (Chub); and his sisters: Luella, Flora, and Jean. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law; grandson, Trent; daughter, Jill Ellen Bear; and grandsons: Jeremy, and Randall. A memorial ceremony will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance "America the Beautiful" Chapel of Roses on December 29, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please contribute to charities for Alzheimer's, Heart Disease, or Cancer.