James "Jim" Patterson

James W. “Jim” Patterson, 90, went to his heavenly home Saturday, June 26, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born Jan. 20, 1931, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Edith C. (Trimbur) Patterson and Ralph O. Patterson.

Jim was a Butler High School graduate, and went on to graduate with honors from his beloved University of Notre Dame. After graduating in 1952, he served in the Army Counter Intelligence Corp. He enjoyed a long career in executive roles in the field of manufacturing, and retired after serving as founding partner and VP of Operations of Sophisticated Alloys, Inc., his son’s company in Butler.

He had many professional accomplishments, including receiving a patent for designing a unique platform tennis court while working for American Land and Leisure Corp., in Butler. His greatest legacy, however, will be to his family in his quiet show of strength and grace during his long struggle with a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease.

Jim had a great desire to help those struggling with unemployment, and served at the Lighthouse Foundation for several years, helping many with resumes and interviewing skills.

His greatest joy was being with his family. He lit up, even when he could no longer speak, each time he saw his grandchildren.

He was a man of great faith, and was a lifelong member of Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church in Butler, where he married his loving and devoted wife, Janet, on Feb. 4, 1961.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 60 years, the former Janet Rapier; a son, James G. (Debbie) Patterson; and his daughters, Ann Patterson, Amy (Tom) Heatherington, Mary Patterson, and Edie (David) Rath. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Nicholas Rath, William Rath, Meredith Rath, Brendan Heatherington, and Garrett Heatherington.

Throughout Jim’s illness he was blessed with dozens of amazing caregivers, without whom we would not have been able to fulfill his wish of remaining in his own home to the very end. To each of these special people, who supported us in countless ways, we are forever grateful.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. -2 Timothy 4:7

Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 am at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, 127 Franklin Street, Butler. The Rev. Kevin Fazio, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Peter's Parish Cemetery, Butler.

Memorial donations may be made, in honor of Jim, to VNA/Hospice, Western Pennsylvania, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001, or The Lighthouse Foundation P.O. Box 366 Bakerstown, Pa 15007.

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