James D. “Air Boat Jim” Patton age 80 passed away on September 19, 2025. Jim was born on April 6, 1945, in Martin, Kentucky to Clarence Douglas and Thelma Marie (Miller) Patton.
Jim loved the outdoors, cutting the grass, fishing, and taking people out on his airboat to tour the swamps and marshes of Florida. His love and humor will be missed.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Thelma Patton. He is survived by his wife Gail Zurn; his daughters Deanna (Tim) James and Krista (James) Stickley; sons Tommy (Peng) Patton and Richard (Melissa) Patton; granddaughter Rachael Trammel along with numerous other grandchildren; his brother Billy (Becky) Patton; sisters Sue Cox and Lou Lieutenant.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 4pm-8pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the Chapel at Hendersonville Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to offset funeral expenses.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
353 E Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more