James Richard Patton

James (Jimmy) loved being an Army Ranger. He joined to defend Our Country and to follow in his Father’s footsteps as well as his Grandparent’s. He comes from a strong Military background. He lived and died by the Ranger Creed. He left behind a wife, daughter, Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Family, and Friends who miss and love him very much. We will Honor Him Always. He loved the outdoors and spending time with Family.

James “Jimmy” Patton was always the smallest guy on the team but had the biggest heart. He was always willing to go above and beyond for his men. He was always ready to get the job done and had the best attitude about doing it. He died doing what he loved and if you would have asked him how he wanted to go out, he would have said on mission with my boys.

James was KIA April 18, 2010, while conducting a combat operation in northern Iraq when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in which he was riding crashed.

He was on his seventh deployment in support of the War on Terror. He had previously deployed twice to Iraq and four times to Afghanistan.

Jimmy was assigned to B Co., 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Reg. in February 2005 where he served as a Grenadier, Fire Team Leader, Team Leader, and Squad Leader.

His military education includes the Airborne Course, the Ranger Indoctrination Program, the U.S. Army Ranger Course, the Jumpmaster Course, the Master Breacher Course, the Mountain Warfare Course, the Warrior Leaders Course, and the Advanced Leaders Course.

His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge and the Senior Parachutist Badge. He has also been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, two Iraq Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.

Jimmy Patton is survived by his wife Beatriz and their daughter Cecilia of Columbus, Ga., and his parents Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory and Sheila Patton of Indian Mound, Tenn.; his brother, Cliff Edward Patton and his sister Megan Sue Marie Patton.