Rev. James B. Patterson

Rev. James B. Patterson, 79, of Entriken, PA; passed away November 17, 2020 at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown from Covid 19 complications.  He was born on May 12, 1941 in Wilkinsburg, PA; the son of the late James and Freda Elizabeth (Freise) Patterson of Monroeville, PA. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Gaye (Lockhart) July 8, 1967.

He is survived by a daughter, Dawn Loretta Patterson, wife Julie, of Erie, son Brett James Patterson, wife Theresa, of Erie, son Brian Scott Patterson, girlfriend Tonya, of Erie, son Marc Jeffrey Patterson, wife Anna, of Windsor, Va. and son Aaron Keith Patterson, wife Julie, of Erie.  Grandchildren Cameron, Lucas, Nicholas, Alexa, and Ryan Patterson.  Sister Mary lee Deasy of Pittsburgh, sister in law Linda Chervenka, of Arizona and brother in law James H. Lockhart, wife Sandy, of WV and Uncle George Derr, of Pittsburgh and many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law James H. and Marjorie C. Lockhart and sister in law Rebecca Bowers.

Jim graduated from Turtle Creek High School in 1959, Catawba College in North Carolina in 1964 then Wesley Theological Seminary in 1968.

He was a member of the Western Pa. conference of the United Methodist Church.  Served First United Methodist Church in Windber, 4 Years 1966-1970.  Then appointed to Asbury UMC in Waterford near Erie served 8 years 1970-1978 two of those years he served Mill Village UMC. Transferred to Community UM Church in Harrison City for 13 years 1978-1991.  While there he served on the Wesley Woods Board of Directors for 8 years being President for 6 years.  Also was the Conference Representative to Pa. Council of Churches and member of the Conference camping committee.  Locally Jim was appointed by Westmoreland County Juvenile Court Judge to serve on Penn Township Juvenile Justice Commission for 10 years.  Dean of Water Ski Camp 21 years.  Took Youth yearly trips to Washington, D. C. added New York & Nashville on a 3 year rotation.  He started in Waterford and continued for the next 20 years.  Transferred to Lakewood UMC in Erie served 12 years 1991-2003.  Jim was appointed again to serve as Chairman of the Millcreek Township Youth Commission 10 years also appointed to Mother to Mother Advisory Board for Erie County.  Elected to Conference Board of Trustees for 6 years and Wesbury Board of Directors 8 years.  Then appointed to Asbury Woods Advisory Board 5 years.

Jim had a dream come true being invited to be Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representative to open the daily session with prayer.  It is now recorded in the Congressional Records.  After retiring he continued preaching wherever needed.

In 2007 he was asked to minister part time for 3 united Church of Christ Churches, St. Paul’s, St. Matthews, and Zion for 5 ½ years.  He also taught stained Glass in the Senior Center and taught AARP 55 Alive Safe Driving Classes for 10 years.   He loved visiting in Hospitals and Nursing Home.  He felt if you loved people and they would love you back and they did.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at St. Matthew’s United Church of Christ, 2347 Entriken Road, Entriken, PA 16638 at 11:00 A.M. as well as Saturday, May 29, 2021 at The Lakewood United Methodist Church, 3856 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16505 at 11:00 A.M.

Memorials can be sent to the Churches he served or the Food Banks.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Akers Funeral Chapel, 715 Church Street, Saxton, PA 16678.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralchapel.com

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