James Carson Patton was born on October 5, 1920 in Water Valley, Mississippi. He was the third from the youngest of ten children born to Frances Wiesel Patton and George Esklus Patton. He graduated from Water Valley High School at the age of sixteen and began his studies at Mississippi State University. After his freshman year, he received an appointment to West Point Academy but was unable to attend because of a spot on his lungs. He graduated from Mississippi State in 1941 in Civil Engineering and began work with the Tennessee Valley Authority until he joined the Navy. He served as an officer on Guam in the Pacific Theatre of World War II as a member of the Seabees Construction Battalion.

In 1947, J.C. met and married his life-long love, Sara Frances Tarlton. He worked in private practice as a civil engineer in West Point, Mississippi before moving to Lexington, Mississippi in 1955. He and Sara lived in Lexington for thirty five years where they raised their family. After retiring from his engineering practice in 1990, they moved to Starkville, Mississippi where he could participate in all things Mississippi State. He loved every sport played by the Bulldogs, but football and baseball were his favorites. He earned the nickname “Coach Patton” during his retirement because of his devotion to every practice, every day as a highly acclaimed “kicking” coach. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Starkville.
J.C. had a remarkable gift of kindness and generosity of spirit. He never met a stranger and he loved everyone, most especially his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick to laugh, quick to praise, and quick to pray. He had a deep and abiding faith in God.

He is preceded in death by his wife of forty seven years and by his parents and his nine siblings.

He is survived by his three children, Linda Patton MacMorran and husband Bruce, James Carson Patton, Jr. and wife Gayle, and Sara Beth Patton Rutledge and husband Lee; grandchildren Jason MacMorran, Patton MacMorran, Ashley Patton Bates, Lesleigh Patton, Carson Rutledge, Lauren Rutledge; and four great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank longtime family friend and caregiver, Lisa Hart, and also his good friend Dr. Steve Hindman for his years of care.

Visitation for Mr. Patton is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, and then again on Monday, February 23, 2015 from 11:30-1:00 at First United Methodist Church in Starkville with the funeral service immediately following in the church sanctuary. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 West Lampkin Street, Starkville, MS 39759.