James Riley (Jimmy) Patterson

James Riley Patterson, 83, died Sunday May 8, 2016 at his home in Savannah, Tennessee.

Jimmy served his community and others his whole life. He loved his family, his cattle, his community and his work. Many simply knew him as the Judge. He was the true definition of a hardworking man leaving a legacy of working endlessly while always loving others.

Jimmy was born in Olive Hill, Tennessee on December 31, 1932 to parents Byron Patterson and Zelma Alexander Patterson. He was united in marriage to Naomi Shutt Patterson on December 22, 1951 who preceded him in death.

Jimmy was a successful businessman for over 20 years owning and managing the Savannah Ready Mix. He was the Hardin County Judge from 1974-1982 and the Hardin County Executive from 1982-1990. While serving as county executive, he was integral in the construction of four new public schools as well as the development of the Hardin County Rural Fire Department. He managed the county as a frugal and wise businessman often stating that he came from a generation when a handshake stood for a man's word. He worked at River City Concrete for over 20 years until the age of 82. Jimmy operated J&N Farms for over 45 years with an average of a 100 head of cattle; he often referred to this as his hobby. He served on numerous boards and committees serving Hardin County and West Tennessee. He was a member of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Association, a Shriner, a member of Scottish Rite, a Mason, and was certified as a Tennessee Advanced Master Beef Producer. Jimmy was an Elder at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Tennessee.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Byron Patterson, Jr. and his three sisters, Mary Ophelia Emmons, Louise Winborn and Bobbie Harrison.

He is survived by his son, Jim Riley Patterson (Kim) and his daughter Brenda Malone (Robert) all of Savannah, Tennessee; grandchildren, Mandi Johnson (Keith) of Germantown, Tennessee, Wesley Malone (Crystal) of Savannah, Tennessee, Jessica Mitchell (Greg) of Savannah, Tennessee, Jolie Jeter (Michael) of Millington, Tennessee, Riley Patterson of Savannah, Tennessee and Alicia Patterson of Savannah, Tennessee; eleven great grandchildren, Mari Anne Evans, Logan Mitchell, Adalyn Mitchell, Julia Johnson, James Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Hanna Malone, Hayes Malone, Heidi Malone, Harrison Jeter and Marshall Jeter; one great great granddaughter, Ainsley Cass.

The family requests donations made in his memory to the American Heart Association