 James Lloyd “Jim” Patterson, Sr. stepped into heaven on April 17, 2025. Jim was born to James and Naolyne Patterson on October 2, 1938, in Fort Worth. Jim attended Paschal HS and graduated from Texas Tech University, where he met Mary Kay Swafford from Waco. After serving in the Army, Jim and Mary Kay found their way to Austin, where they resided for over 7 decades. They were married for 57 years when Mary Kay died from Alzheimer's.
Jim’s faith was evident to all of his friends and family. He decided to follow Jesus as a child and was baptized in Fort Worth. As an adult, he was active in several Austin churches, including serving as an elder at Grace Covenant. He led weekly men’s Bible studies in downtown Austin and served Austin Young Life as a committee chairman.
Jim never met a stranger and was recognized as a great salesperson, since he never took “no” for an answer. Some might even say he was stubborn! He worked 25 years in banking, even starring in a statewide bank commercial which highlighted his incredible persistence. He was a daily runner on Austin’s Town Lake trail. He loved hunting and fishing with his friends. He and Mary Kay enjoyed getting away to their land near Fredericksburg and skiing in Ruidoso.
Jim served as president of the Austin Jaycees and treasurer of the Austin Livestock Show and Rodeo. Community service was very important to Jim, whether it was cleaning the hike and bike trails or supporting youth sports. Jim saw a need and was one of the founders of the NEAYA, which launched youth basketball, baseball, and tennis programs. Jim coached youth sports for years. He never missed one of his kids’ or grandkids’ games or dance recitals.
Jim is survived by his children: Pete (Melissa) Patterson of Waco, Lisa Frasher Schindler (Hans) of Wimberly, and Deborah Kay Gibbens of Baton Rouge. Jim’s greatest title was “Papa J”, given to him by his six grandchildren, which include: Johnathan (Lindsey) Frasher of Houston, Lauren (Joel) Green of Baton Rouge, Jake (Lindsey) Patterson of Waco, Tyler (Kaitlyn) Frasher of Austin, Carey Beth (Cornelius) Hegeman of Waco, and Grant (Mallory) Gibbens of Baton Rouge. Jim also enjoyed 12 great-grandchildren.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, both parents, and his brother and sister, Sandy and Bobbett (infant). He was devoted to loving and serving his family, and he will be greatly missed.
A memorial gathering will be held on July 12 in Austin—more details to follow.The post James Lloyd “Jim” Patterson, Sr. appeared first on Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services | Waco Texas.
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