James A Patton

James A. Patton, 71, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2022, under the care of Kindred Hospice and with his wife by his side.

Preceded in death by his parents, Sgt. Norman James Patton and Grace Elizabeth Johanson Patton, James was born in Aberdeen, Maryland on July 20, 1950.

Being born into a miliary family, he spent much of his childhood in Germany and Army Bases across the U.S. After graduating from Marysville Maryland, High School and St. Clare Community College, James enlisted in the Army. After Basic Training, he was stationed at Fort Dix New Jersey until 1975, when he was assigned to Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany. There he was attached to the Pershing Missile 56th Field Artillery Brigade until 1978. After returning to the States from Germany, he went Army Reserve with the 5th Special Forces Group until 1980. He then went Air Force 403 Reconnaissance Air Sea Rescue Wing for 6 years.

James’ love for his country continued as he soon became a Law Enforcement Officer. His first Police job was with the Port Huron Police Department and after moving to Florida, he worked for Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach Police Departments. The last 25 years he was with the Holly Hill Police Department. At Holly Hill PD, he was a Traffic and Homicide Investigator, Police Photographer, Field Training Officer, and Patrol Supervisor.

While employed with the Holly Hill Police Department, he achieved the rank of Sergeant, receiving several commendations and being named Officer of the Year four different years. Sergeant Patton will always be remembered by his officers for his big heart and the fairness he showed all of his officers.

Outside of work, James loved riding his motorcycle and was a member of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. He loved sitting with his Cocker Spaniel, Hannah, in his recliner watching Cake Wars, old westerns and the Military Channel. When not watching TV, he was probably at a buffet restaurant eating, which always (whether at the restaurant or at home) ended with Ice Cream.

James is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Patton; his children, Heidi Friend (Allan), Heather Castro (David), Jennifer Roberts (Brian), Allen Garrett (Audrey); his sister, Gail Romain (Fred); Seventeen grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Deal Funeral Directors, 22757 Highway 80 East, Statesboro, GA. The Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM.

The service will be live streamed via Facebook, Deal Funeral Directors.