James Stuart Patterson

James Stuart Patterson (Jim) spent his final days on this earth in October 2024. Jim was born on Friday, August 13, 1954, in Knoxville, Iowa, where he will be laid to rest on Friday, December 13, 2024. His family welcomes anyone who knew him to join us at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville at 3:00 PM to celebrate his life and share in honor of his memory.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Mildred Jeffries (Mid) and Willis Elwood (Pat) Patterson. He is survived by his twin brother, John & Mary Beth Patterson of Bailey, Colorado, sister Marianne Spaur of Newton, Iowa, and beloved nieces and nephews; Doug Spaur of Phoenix, Arizona, Michael Spaur & family of Siem Reap, Cambodia, Mark & Cari Spaur of Chicago, IL, and Amy Spaur of Dallas, TX.

In addition to the family mentioned above, Jim is survived by his daughters Jennifer of Denver, CO and Sarah, Marcus, Mason & Roman Trujillo of San Diego, CA. Jim's daughters will always cherish the many memories with him from their youth. The idyllic childhood home and neighborhood where they grew up will forever hold a special place in their hearts. The family traditions they created together will be carried out for generations to come.

Jim had a career as a successful businessman. He worked as a salesman and even opened his own shoe store, The Shoe Box, during the early nineties. The appeal for shoes and career choice came naturally as he followed his father's footsteps. Pat served in the US Navy as a storekeeper (heavily responsible for the crew's footwear) on the USS Belleau Wood in WWII. Jim's career took his family across the Midwest before finally settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They lived in Liberal, Kansas where his first daughter Jennifer was born and next in Columbia, Missouri, where Sarah was born.

Jim's welcoming personality, descriptive storytelling, and giving nature brought him friends who felt like family everywhere he went. He often shared his joy by singing or whistling, both expressions which he adopted from his mother. Despite challenges, his loved ones choose to remember and celebrate the joys. His life leaves an indelible mark on those who loved him. May his story inspire growth, strength, and forgiveness in those he impacted & may he rest in peace.