James Ronald “Ronnie” Patrick, born on February 20, 1944, in Jackson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on September 20, 2024. He was 80 years old.
He leaves behind a loving family, including his three children with Gwendolyn Cato Chilton: Brandon (Lisa) Patrick, Stacey (Tom) Turnbow, and Jason (Christi) Patrick. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren: Sarah (Alex) Petrone, Caroline Patrick, Ashtyn Turnbow, Kelsey Turnbow, Alexi Turnbow, George Patrick, Vivian (Daniel) Ryan, and James Patrick. He is also survived by his long-time companion and special friend Lyda Kay Ferree.
He was a graduate of the 1962 class of Jackson Southside High School, where he was voted Most Popular Boy of his Senior Class, as well as “Beau of the FHA”, 2-Time President of FFA and 4-H Club, Chairman of FTA, and Junior Rotarian. He also was an accomplished athlete, serving as rotating captain of the Jackson Southside Hawks basketball team and was a member of the football team. He attended The University of Tennessee and Memphis State University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
Professionally, James owned his own professional recruiting firm – James Patrick International in Brentwood, Tennessee. He was widely respected as an accomplished executive recruiter in the Nashville area. He was also a guest speaker at several industry events and made appearances on nationally televised shows such as the 700 Club and PTL Club. After retirement, he found enjoyment in travel, ballroom dancing, genealogy, poetry, watching sporting events, hiking, and gardening. He was proud that all of his children went on to receive college degrees, as well as the ongoing educational and professional achievements of his grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Truman and Kathleen Patrick as well as his granddaughter Gwendolyn Grace Patrick. He was the 5th of 6 children that were raised in the Bemis area. He was a man of faith that believed in Jesus, a member of St George’s Episcopal Church in Nashville, and worked hard to ensure his family was immersed in an environment where they could achieve their personal potential. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
SERVICES: The Memorial Service for James will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m. and continue until the service time at 3:00 p.m.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway Jackson, TN 38305
