James C. PATTERSON Sr.

WILLIAMSBURG - James Coleman Patterson Sr. answered the Master's call and peacefully entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, in Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.
His life began on Jan. 10, 1923, the third child born to the late Margaret L. and Charlie Patterson Sr., of Williamsburg, Va.
He attended York County Public Schools. Throughout his life, James was known as "Coleman" by his family, friends and by all in the community. Coleman was a productive and contributing member of his church as well as in his community. He was a lifelong member of St. John Baptist Church. He faithfully served his church as a member of the Men's Chorus and the Men's Fellowship.
He was joined in Holy Matrimony to the former Ruth Anna Cary. Unto this union, they were blessed with many years of happiness, three children and two grandchildren.
Coleman also was a member of the District No. 6, Grand United Order of Oddfellows. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was Honorably Discharged on March 20, 1944, in Grand Lakes, Ill. He was a Licensed Master Plumber and a noted small-engine mechanic. He retired from the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, after 39 years of service. Following his retirement, he was employed by the Williamsburg-James City County Public School System as a bus driver. He was highly thought of by the students, their parents and the school's personnel. Over his celebrated life, Coleman received several honors for outstanding service and performance from his church, community and his places of employment. He was a loving and kind person who was known for his amusing sense of humor by everyone he met. Coleman's life was a blessing to everyone and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie Jr. and Alfred Patterson.
He leaves to celebrate his life his wife, Ruth Anna Cary Patterson; his daughter, Delores J. Patterson; his sons, James C. Patterson Jr. (Floydette) and John W. Patterson (Kimberley); his grandchildren, Christian C. Patterson and Ashley McCoy; his sister, Everlean Thompson; his sister-in-law, Alice Cary-Patterson; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and many caring friends.
A funeral service, celebrating the life he lived, will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, in St. John Baptist Church, 1397 Penniman Road, with the Rev. Walter Hudson and Dr. Solomon M. Wesley officiating. Interment will follow, with military honors, in the church cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at 1351 Oak Drive by noon Tuesday. Mr. Patterson may be viewed in the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday.
Professional services entrusted to the Staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail Williamsburg, Va., 757-229-3011. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.