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James PATTERSON Obituary
He was predeceased by parents, James Claude and Helen Patterson; sister, Helen Worrell of Atlanta, Ga.; and brother, William Blake Patterson of St. Louis, Mo.
He is survived by his sister, Jane Bernhard of Richmond, Va.; his daughter, Claudia Dryden and her husband, Larry, of Hampton; his son, Blake and his wife, Kerry, of Alexandria; grandchildren, Karene, Christine, and Jonathan Dryden, Rory Patterson; his devoted friend, Margaret Hurt; and many nieces and nephews.
He graduated from John Marshall High School in Richmond and served over a year in the Navy during World War II, for which he received a Victory medal. He later attended VPI, graduating with a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1957. In 1986, he retired after a 35-year career as an engineer with NASA. In the years after his retirement, he was invited to speak at a number of aeronautics-focused events, including delivering an engineering seminar at Virginia Tech.
A family service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Richmond, Va.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, P.O. Box 96648, Washington, D.C., 20090. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James PATTERSON
2 Entries
Fred and Betty Taylor
May 4, 2010
Mr. P, what a wonderful neighbor and friend! We lived next door to him on Raleigh Road and thoroughly enjoyed his quick wit and sharing of his vast knowledge of all things aeronautical. We loved joking with him and Margaret when they were out working in his yard. He was great guy and we loved him dearly.
David Smith
May 4, 2010
Claude was a great neighbor, friend and co-builder to all of us on Raleigh Road. He designed a wonderful deck for me and we built it together. It was like a NASA project that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you, Claude, for being such a great friend and neighbor.
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