James Malcom Patterson Jr.

James Malcom Patterson, Jr. "Jim" 67 of Meridianville, went into the arms of Jesus on October 2, 2017. He was a graduate of Hazel Green High School and a graduate of Jacksonville State University. He served in the United States Army from 1972 until 1976 and then served another six years in the Army Reserves as a company commander of the D-926th Engineer Battalion. He retired in 2008 after 29 years as a pharmaceutical representative of Bristol Meyers Squibb. He currently owned and operated Patterson Properties and Mortgages and was a partner in AJ Fuel City convenience store. He served on the Madison County School Board from 1988 until 2000, and served as the board president three times. In 2010 he was elected to the House of Representatives. Jim worked tirelessly for District 21. His greatest accomplishment was getting the Autism Bill passed during the 2017 session.

Jim always had a deep love for his community. He was one of the founding members of the Meridianville Lion’s Club and helped establish the Meridianville Ball Park. Jim loved coaching basketball. One of his highlights was watching the girls he coached from Hazel Green win the 1995 State Basketball Championship. Whenever he could, you would find him at a Hazel Green sporting event cheering on his beloved Trojans.

Jim was an active member of First Baptist Church of Meridianville. He loved the Lord and had a heart for missions. He went on three overseas mission trips to Romania, China, and Nicaragua. He was already planning to take his grandson on a mission trip to Guatemala. He worked in numerous mission projects in his area, and he always was helping those in need.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Malcom and Virgie Patterson and grandson, James Malcom Patterson IV (Mac). He is survived by his loving wife that he absolutely adored for 46 years Susan Carter Patterson; children Krista (Chris) Hunter of Meridianville, James Malcom Patterson, III (Trey) (Tonya) of Meridianville, and Carter Patterson of Meridianville; his five grandchildren, Jackson Hunter, Ty Hunter, Reese Hunter, Abbi-Kate Patterson and Cooper Patterson; his great-aunt Geneva Swaim and numerous cousins and friends.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 5 at First Baptist Church of Meridianville from 6-9. A celebration of life will be Friday, October 6 at Hazel Green High School Gymnasium at 2:00. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mission Firefly through First Baptist Church of Meridianville.