James "Jim" H. Patton, Jr. was born November 14, 1929 to Henry and Bernice "Bunny" Patton in Lebanon, Missouri.  He passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024.  Although we thought he was the only person that would live forever, he lived a remarkable 95 years!  If you knew Jim Patton, you knew his life was defined by his family, his faith, and the game of golf (arguably his first love).

Jim was steadfast, self-disciplined and consistent.  He lived by example.  You always knew what to expect-he pointed you to your internal compass and empowered you to be true to yourself.  When you were with him you felt both loved and accepted.

From his Lebanon cousins to his dear friends and golf buddies, when you were Jim's friend, you were a friend for life.  He was actively involved for many years with the Missouri Golf Association, Help Give Hope charity, and Twin Oaks Country Club.

His quiet faith was firm.  He was a member of Central Christian Church where he regularly attended, reading his devotionals weekly until the very end of his life.

Jim graduated from Lebanon High School and the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he was on the golf team and a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.  He served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1956.  He married Sally Miller and had two children, Mike and Amy.  In 1974, he married Peggy and was lucky to add Tim, Eric, and Nikki to his family.

In 1981, Jim and two fellow employees purchased American Business Systems.  They sold the company in 2001 when Jim retired.

While Jim's achievements in golf are too many to name, he loved the game, not the glory.  A few highlights include; University of Missouri Golf Team, Missouri Junior Amateur Champion, Missouri Men's Amateur Champion, and inductions into the Lebanon, Springfield, and Missouri Golf Hall of Fame.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Nancy and Mary Mc., and his step-son, Tim.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy, son, Mike Patton (Becky), daughter, Amy Hughes (Tom), son, Eric Belk (Missy), daughter, Nikki Harris (Kevin), and daughter-in-law, Ann.  His grandchildren, James Patton, Lorren Miller, Carly, David and Laura Hughes, Liza Gunther, Zac Pittman, Mallory Cotner, Emma and Michael Belk, Dani and Ryan Harris, and Brett Davis.  His great-grandchildren, Aiden Patton and Jack Miller, as well as nieces and nephews.

We are especially grateful for the care Jim received at Close to Paradise Senior Care at the end of his life.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date under the care of Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Help Give Hope, 2733 E. Battlefield, Suite 332, Springfield, MO 65804.