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James Patton Obituary
May 5, 1929 - Nov. 9, 2020
Dr. James R. "Jimmy" Patton, Jr., died peacefully November 9, 2020, at the age of 91.
Jimmy was a physician known for kindness, integrity, honesty and compassion throughout his long career in medicine and ophthalmology. He was a fourth generation Wacoan, a descendant with both maternal and paternal ancestors settling here in the 1870s.
Jimmy was born in Waco on May 5, 1929, to James Russell "Rusty" Patton and Ruth McLendon Patton. He attended Sanger Avenue Elementary School where he met his future wife, Ada Risher, in third grade. He graduated high school from New Mexico Military Institute in 1946.
He played football and enjoyed riding in the school's mounted cavalry. He went on to attend college at Rice University, then was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. His medical training included internships at the University of Michigan Medical School and further studies at London's Moorfields Eye Hospital. Jimmy also specialized in Ophthalmology as a resident at the Barnes Hospital, Washington University at St. Louis, MO.
Jimmy married Ada Stone at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on October 12, 1955. He served the next three years with the U.S. Air Force as a Captain, Staff Physician in Hahn, Germany. He later continued service with the U.S. Veteran's Hospital in Waco for many years. He was also Chief of Staff at Hillcrest Hospital for several years.
Jimmy's greatest livelihood was fly fishing and his annual trips to New Zealand for over two decades. He carried his passion for fly fishing with his children and his grandchildren. He and his wife Ada were both volunteers in Meals for Wheels.
Jimmy is survived by James Russell Patton, III and Laura Risher Patton Hamburger and his two granddaughters, Laura Grace Hamburger and Sara Risher Hamburger.
A graveside service is pending at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorials in his memory may be made to Meals on Wheels.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.LakeShoreFH.com
Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries
Jo Anne Snell-Johnson
February 7, 2023
May Dr. Patton's Legacy live on. He was my mother's eye doctor. Mrs. Sallie Elizabeth Snell. The family of Jeffie and Sallie Snell.
Thomas E. Akin
October 13, 2021
Sorry for your loss. Dr. Patton gave me hope and help when I lost my center of vision in 1979. He guided me through to specialist in Dallas because he had no idea what was the problem. The 3 of them finally diagnosed APPES. Dr. Patton guided through years of observation and examinations. I was thankful that someone helped me live with this rair inflection. The care and hope he gave me. I treasure even now 40 years later.
May God bless you as Dr. Patton blessed me.
Parker Suitter-Bentley
December 3, 2020
Laura, you have our deepest sympathy and our condolences. Your father was a kind man, and a true Southern gentleman. May light perpetual shine upon him and all those we love but can no longer see.
Mrs. Jo Anne Snell-Johnson
November 30, 2020
Our prayers are with you. Dr. Patton was our mothers eye doctor. He was the best. The Sallie Elizabeth Snell Family. You will remain in our prayers.
Audrey Stokes
November 29, 2020
I saw Dr. Patton when I was six. I still remember 60 years later being able to see the tips of branches on a winter tree. I was amazed, I had no idea that they were there. It was on the corner of Beverly Drive, and Columbia Street. He gave me the gift of clear vision so I could do well in school and life. This is one of my most special memories of this great man.
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