James Clark "J.C." Patterson

J.C. "Jake" Patterson went home to be with the Lord in Memory Lane at Legacy Heights in Van Buren, Arkansas, Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at the age of 97. He was born September 24, 1918 in Lavaca, Arkansas, the youngest child of the late Albert Kennedy Patterson and Mary Roberta (Ingram) Patterson. Jake was also preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Norma Dean (McCutchen) Patterson; one son, John Kennedy Patterson; daughter-in-law, Sharon Kay Patterson; and brothers and sisters. Jake was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Lavaca. He was by trade a farmer and grocer. Jake is best known for a life of public service. Jake was elected to the Lavaca School Board when only in his twenties. Basketball teams, 4-H Clubs, FFA Chapters, rodeos, and county fairs were just a few of the recipients of his support. He served several terms as chairman of the Sebastian County Republican Party at a time when Republicans were a minority in the state. In 1969, Governor Rockefeller appointed him to a ten-year term on the Arkansas Highway Commission. Later, he served as a U.S. Marshal during the Reagan and Bush administrations. Bored with retirement, he ran for Justice of the Peace at the age of 83. He served two terms in that position. Jake was responsible for numerous bridges, roads and community improvements in Arkansas during his lifetime. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 15th, at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, with the Rev. Charles Armour officiating. Burial will be at Lavaca City Cemetery in Lavaca, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston. He is survived by a son, James Norman Patterson and wife Lynn of Lavaca; four grandchildren, Alicia Dooly and husband Jay of Lavaca, Angela Patterson of San Diego, California, Jamie Patterson and wife Jamie Lynn of Lavaca, and Andrea Nevel and husband Greg of Springdale. Jake is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Jessica White, Logan Dooly, Myla Patterson, Hadley Patterson, Luke Nevel, Sam Nevel, Jack Nevel and Kate Nevel. Pallbearers will be Mike Blevins, Rick Dooly, Dewayne Glidewell, Davin Green, Hugh Hardgrave, Bill Ray, Don Weaver and Rick Withers. Family will visit with friends from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to "Maggie House Children's Home" at 1005 Second Street Charleston, Arkansas 72933 (479) 926-0794. To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.