“Jim” James Anthony Patterson, 64, passed away on Sunday, 29 August 2021 at his home in Valley Center. Jim was born 16 December 1956 in Omaha, Nebraska to Robert L “Bob” Patterson, Sr and Margaret Ann Hutchins Patterson. Jim was a resident of Omaha Ne; Griswold, Iowa; and since 2006, Valley Center. Jim spent many years working for Presto-X Extermination, before his cancer diagnosis.
Jim graduated from Bryan High 1975 in Omaha, Ne. Jim married Donna Hamtak Kenney 1975-1980. They had two children, Andrea and Jessica. Jim married Sherri Patterson 27Jan1992. They adopted two children, Kristen and Matthew. Jim had two step children, Daniel and Kira.
Jim died. Jim had cancer. Jim had three cancers, in fact. Jim did not lose “his battle” with cancer. He did not lose “his fight” with cancer. These words imply he had a choice. It implies he had some form of control over the cancers. There was no choice. There was no control. Cancer did not beat him. It took over his body, but cancer did not win. If Jim would have died of old age, people would not say he lost his battle with age. Cancer is a societal issue we as a group face. But's it's not a personal battle to be won or lost. Jim did not succumb to cancer. Jim triumphed. Jim owned his life because cancer could not take his spirit, his humor, his joy, his faith. Cancer could not reduce his love for his wife… his children.. his grandchildren. Jim took control of his “bonus years.” Jim fought to live his life as he chose. Jim’s body was ravaged by a force that he could not control; but Jim controlled his attitude towards it, and how he responded to what was happening to his body. If you asked Jim how he was feeling, he’d often say “just peachy.” His positive attitude never faltered. “It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”~unknown. Jim died from cancer, but cancer didn’t win.
Preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Kristen Lilliana Patterson 2015, brother Grady Patterson 2011, ex-wife Kristine Poster 2010, grandparents Fred and Mary Kathryn Patterson Graham, Grady and Nellie Kerns Hutchins.
Survived by his wife, Sherri (Dredge) Patterson; children; Andrea Renee Patterson Bascom, Omaha, Ne, Jessica Ann Patterson (Joe) Rasmussen, Crescent, Ia, Daniel Gene (Kari) Hackney, Tucson, Az, Kira Blaine Hackney (Leonard) Elbeyli, Columbia, Md, Matthew James Patterson, Valley Center. Grandchildren: Sara and John Bascom, Kimberly, Elizabeth and Abigail Rasmussen, Attila and Altai Elbeyli. Donna Kenney, mother of Andrea and Jessica, Gene Hackney father of Daniel and Kira. Siblings: Larry (Nathan) Patterson, FL, Susan (Chris) Hunt, NE, Robert “Bob” (Michele) Patterson Jr, IA, Patricia “Patty” Patterson (Jim) Kinsella, NE, Linda Malfait, NE, Dorothy “Dotty” (Matt) North, NE. Sibling in-laws: Sandy Patterson, NE, Johnny Ellenburg, Oklahoma City, Ok, Brian White, Frisco, Tx, Charles White, Del City, Ok. Parents in law: Loyd and Loree Dredge, Park City, Steve and Beth Russell, Oklahoma City, Ok. And numerous other extended family members.
Services will be held Saturday, 4 Sept 2021, at 1pm. Visitation with family 11:00 am - 12:30 pm at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4343 N Meridian, Wichita 67204. Services will be live streamed at riverlawn.org/funeral