James Edgar “Jim” Patteson of Athens died at home Tuesday, February 24, 2015. There will be a celebration of his life at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Athens.
He was born May 12, 1929, in Ireland, Texas, to Daniel and Annie Hughett Patteson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eloise Turner Patteson; his parents; and a brother, Dan Patteson. Jim served in the U.S. Army, First Cavalry, during the Korean War. He retired as lab chemist for the Athens Wastewater Department, after working in many occupations including photographer, lab chemist for several aerospace industries, and a stint in Saudi Arabia. He enjoyed his retirement and travelled extensively, especially with Elderhostel. He volunteered with many organizations including Burritt Museum, and served as a board member and volunteer for the Alabama Veterans Museum. He was known as Santa by many, including foster children of Limestone County.
Survivors include his daughters, Diane Payne (Don) of Athens, Marcia Yancy of Robertsdale and Vickie Hayes (Bert) of Gulf Shores; brother, Billy Mack Patteson (Kathy) of Bosque County, Texas; sister, Barbra Bivona of Denton, Texas; grandchildren, Chris Payne, Danielle Chouinard, Jason Payne, David Richardson and Amanda Owens; great- grandchildren Kailee, Jim, Leila, Isabella, Eloise, Caroline, Charlotte, Anna Claire, and Harrison; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations go to Hospice of Limestone County or to the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives.
