James H. Patterson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Patterson on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the age of 94. He was born January 21, 1931 in Holly, Michigan to Howard and Shirley Patterson. Jim attended Adelphian Academy in Holly. In his early years, Jim worked at Holly gravel pit. He later went to work at Consumers Power where he eventually retired after 30 years. In 1950, Jim married Loretta Stevenson at the Holly Seventh-Day Adventist Church. They went on to have three children, Julia, Carl and Alan. His children fondly remember ice skating, roller skating, tobogganing, and many camping trips as a family. Farming was Jim’s joy and passion. He helped his dad on the family farm, which he took over in 1979 and continued farming until he was almost 90. Jim loved raising sheep and growing hay. He also enjoyed tractors, cars, and country music. Family and friends often heard Jim whistling or singing, in his deep, beautiful voice. We will miss Jim’s kind heart, caring nature and his wonderful sense of humor. He was also an active and long-standing member of the Holly Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is survived by his brother Merlin Patterson (wife Mary), daughter Julia Matousek, son Carl Patterson (wife Teresa), son Alan Patterson (wife Robin). Four Grandchildren: Michael Sarafin (wife Michelle), Richard Sarafin (wife Debbie), Suzanne Patterson Sutherland (husband Tony), and Brandon Patterson; and five great-grandchildren. Jim is also survived by dear friend Judy Achey, sister-in-law Doris Stevenson and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Loretta (Stevenson) Patterson, his parents Howard Patterson and Shirley (Shears) Patterson, his brother Harold Patterson, sister-in-law Ione Patterson, Loretta’s parents Cecil Stevenson and Onahlee (Lockwood) Stevenson, brother-in-law Dale Stevenson, sister-in-law Joanne (Stevenson) Vermilyea, brother-in-law Bayard Vermilyea, nephew Steve Vermilyea, niece Stephanie (Vermilyea) Wiegold and son-in-law Larry Matousek. Services will be held at Dryer's Funeral Home 101 1st St. Holly, MI 48442. Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 17 from 5-8 PM. A funeral service will occur on Friday, April 18 at 10 AM with a graveside ceremony to follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to 3ABN (Three Angels Network) PO Box 220, W. Frankfort, IL 62896 or Adelphian Jr. Academy of Holly PO Box 208 Holly, MI 48442 in memory of James Patterson.

James H. Patterson

January 21, 1931 - April 7, 2025