James A. “JAP” Patton, 78, died peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on April 15, 2018, following a brief illness. Visitation will be Thursday April 19, 2018 from Noon to 2pm at First Presbyterian Church, Tuscumbia and Funeral will follow at 2pm with burial in Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield.
JAP as he was known graduated from Deshler High School in 1957 where he lettered in multiple sports. He attended the University of Alabama on a football scholarship where he played for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant as a member of Coach Bryant’s first National Championship Team in 1961. He then attended the University of Alabama Law School and following graduation was admitted to the Alabama Bar in 1965. Following Law School, JAP served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Benning, GA, before returning to Tuscumbia where he began practicing Law with Murray Beasley and later practiced Law with John Clement. JAP then served as an Assistant District Attorney for Colbert County for several years before being appointed as the Colbert County District Attorney. After leaving the District Attorney’s office, JAP practiced law with John Kennemer and John McKelvey until he began serving as the Attorney for the Colbert County Commissioners. JAP remained an active member of the Alabama Bar for 50 years. He was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tuscumbia, severing as both a Deacon and an Elder. JAP was involved with numerous civic organizations including his 50 year membership in the Tuscumbia Kiwanis Club where he served as President and was awarded the Kiwanis Legion of Merit in 2017. He was active in the Alabama A-club Alumni Association including serving as the group’s President. He loved to play Golf and Tennis and was a three time member of Turtle Point County Club’s board of directors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Patton (father) and Audrey Patton Haddock (mother) and brothers Billy Bob Patton and Huston Patton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Elizabeth Craft Patton, son James Arthur “Jay” Patton, JR, daughter Eugenia Elizabeth Patton, sisters Betty Sue Berry and Patsy Nesbitt, brother George Patton, 7 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. JAP was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend.
Pallbearers will be Brad Phillips, Ron Hudson, Rusty Trapp, Jim Wesson, John Kennemer, Jimmy Hughston, Hal Hughston and Bill Marthaler. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons and Elders of First Presbyterian Church in Tuscumbia.
The family would like to thank all of their friends, family and Church for their love and support especially JAP’s long time best friend David E. Gray.
In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity.
