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1935
2018
Jim, his wife Elaine, and their boys Matt and Luke moved to Roseville in 1969 to accept a parish pastor call in a wonderful small town. The family continues to live in Roseville. During his retirement Jim continued to "marry 'em" and "bury 'em."
Jim was born and reared in Long Beach, CA. He was a typical California kid. He loved to spend time at the beach. Jim was one of the "sons of the beaches." He liked to say his parents Darrel and Evas Patterson migrated from Minnesota. As a young boy Jim practiced magic for hours, and as a young man was a professional magician with an agent and working paid gigs.
During his teen years Jim became involved in a church a few blocks from his family home. Two-time 1950s era Olympic Pole Vault Gold Medalist and Decathlete Bob Richards was the pastor. Bob encouraged Jim, the world needs pastors more than magicians. Jim followed Bob's advice. Jim earned a BA in psychology from Capitol University, and a Doctorate of Divinity following four more years of study at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, both in Columbus, Ohio. Jim was ordained as a Lutheran Minister in 1961. As his mother would say, God's hand continued to lead Jim.
Jim met Elaine in 1957 working together on a summer church mission team and married in 1959. They loved to travel and visited Mexico, Central America, Europe, Egypt, Turkey, Palestine, Greece, and China.
During the 1960s Jim sought calls involving inner city integration. People of different races worshiping together. He got his wish, the east side of Cleveland, OH. Next, Compton and Watts, CA. Jim was active in the civil rights movement and played a pivotal role in integrating the Lutheran Church from east to west. One of the highlights for Jim was attending the March on Washington in August 1963. The forecast was a potential riot, but in reality there was a "picnic" atmosphere involving the event when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous speech, "I have a dream." The experience was encouraging and validating, and fuel to share. During the 1970s Jim served as a pastor in Roseville, Calif. During the 1980s and '90s Jim did sabbatical ministry helping start a church in Lincoln, as well as being an associate pastor at churches in Rio Linda and Citrus Heights. Jim liked to joke, "I figured out congregations don't want pastors, they want magicians."
Jim worked in business, sales, was director of the Public Inebriant Drop In Center on Front Street in Sacramento, and founded A-1 Process Serving. Jim served on local boards and commissions, and was a Rotarian.
Jim's sense of humor, wisdom, and ability to communicate served well in many settings. Jim is survived by his wife Elaine Patterson of 59 years, brother Jack Patterson (Frances), sons Matt Patterson (Barbara) and Luke Patterson (Mary), grandchildren Jayne Geiser (JP) and Sam Patterson, other family and loved ones.
Services will be held at Advent Lutheran Church 5901 San Juan Ave, Citrus Heights, CA on August 25, 2018 at 11:00 am, A Celebration of Life will follow in the Parish Hall with a potluck luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jim's name to Mt. Cross Lutheran Bible Camp, PO Box 387, Felton, CA 95018, www.mtcross.org.
Please sign the online guest book at thepresstribune.com.
14 Entries
Jim and I were close friends while attending Capital Univ. and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus. I followed the careers of both him and Elaine throughout their married lives. He brought plenty of smiles into my life. Right now he's probably adding
a few more for the angels in heaven.
Jack McCollister
October 13, 2018
I knew Jim for many years through Rotary and the military. Jim and I served together on many Veterans Ceremonies held in Roseville, he was the Chaplain and I was in my Navy uniform. He was always a delight to be around and a fellow Lutheran as well.I will have fond memories of our times together. Fair winds and following seas to a great guy. Roger Linn, USN, JAGC, Ret
Roger Linn
August 25, 2018
Jim was in the Rotary Club of Roseville when I joined in 2004.
Mike Mecey
August 25, 2018
Pastor Pattterson made the world a better place. He blessed our family through his children's messages, sermons, and service to our Bethel community. It was an honor to know him. Prayers and blessings for his loved ones.
Angie G
August 24, 2018
My condolences to the family. Pastor Patterson was a special pastor, friend and one of a kind. He will always be remembered.
Martha Bullard
Martha Bullard
August 24, 2018
Elaine, Matt and Luke, I am so sorry for your loss. We had so much fun at Calvary when Jim was assisting pastor. The youth had a great mentor and never knew what would happen on any Sunday. The adults loved seeing the youth experience God through an adult who was the biggest kid of all. My prayers are with all of you. God is with all of you.
Connie Whitehead
August 24, 2018
Matt and Luke I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember your father during our high school years. He was always so kind to everyone. I pray that our Lord gives you and your family the strength and peace you need during this most difficult time. God bless you all.
Andrea Bermudez
August 23, 2018
Pastor Patterson was such an awesome pastor and I have nothing but found memories of him from his time at Bethel. That is the reason that when I got married 26 years ago, I had him officiate my wedding. And in typical fashion, he came in about 2 hours before the wedding in his camping outfit saying that he had just come from Mount Cross with a bunch of teenagers and needed to go get a haircut before the ceremony. I think my husband was a little freaked out, but I knew that Pastor Patterson would be back in plenty of time.
That was the same excitement and enthusiasm he brought to Bethel when I was a little girl. He could get anyone and everyone involved in the ministry going on and in an less-than-traditional manner. Like when he came in to the local Raley's store in his Bermuda shorts saying that he would like to get a donation of corn for the youth camp out. They didn't believe he was really a pastor because of how he was dressed (this was the early 70's). My dad (who worked for the Raley's main office) happened to be in the store that day and vouched for him, saying that he REALLY was a pastor. And they all laughed.
Great memories. And I will always remember his great laugh! My condolences to the family. May all those wonderful memories see you through this difficult time.
Laura Bullard
August 23, 2018
I never met Jim but through Luke's many stories about his dad, I feel like I knew him....and that I missed out on something because I didn't. Only the best of wishes to all of the Patterson's as you go through this loss
Scott Nutter
August 21, 2018
Jim was a fun mentor, and a great resource to our church's youth program at Calvary in Rio Linda. He worked alongside my father in ministry for a number of years. It was a great pairing, and Jim's vitality, positive attitude, and a true understanding of theology and how it relates to young people was outstanding. Even though I haven't seen him in years, I will miss him.
Michael Carlson
August 21, 2018
Jim was the very personification of a good person. I liked Jim the moment I met him. We have lost one of the "good guys".
fred festersen
August 20, 2018
When Jim and Elaine came to pastor at Bethel it was the first time I had a minister the same age as me. Elaine and I became instant friends and have shared many blessings. My family will hold Jim in our memories.
eileen huhtala
August 18, 2018
I am a high schoolfriend of Jim's. These are a few memories & each memory has a story to tell.. too long to include here. Iwas an assistant with his magic gigs; he was instramental in my becoming a Sunday School teacher/Bible teacher that continues today; I always admired him & Elaine as being the first kids/ministers to the intercity people; humor/wise cracks were the best; honored to be chosen for godparent to son, Luke; groomsman at our wedding 65 yrs ago; traveled to our 50th wedding anniversary with his brother, Jack & wives. What a gift of profound memories he gave me, which have been told to my kids
Randa Pearson
August 18, 2018
Please accept our condolences. We are so sorry for your family's loss. Only God can fully understand the emotional impact of your loss, and we pray that He provide you with much needed comfort. (Psalm 145:18, 19)
L S
August 17, 2018
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Aug
25
11:00 a.m.
Advent Lutheran Church
5901 San Juan Ave, Citrus Heights, CA
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