Obituary of James C. Patterson

James C. Patterson, 71, of Cortland, passed away May 4, 2014 at home surrounded by his family. He was born October 14, 1942 in Schenectady, NY. Jim was born and raised in Schenectady where he graduated from Burnt Hills Balston Lake H.S. After high school Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served tours in Cuba, Italy, Spain and Greece. After his honorable discharge, Jim attended SUNY Oneonta where he received his bachelor's degree in education and master's degree in economics. Oneonta was also where he met his wife Sue, and they married in 1968. Jim taught elementary school for five years in Schenectady before relocating to Cortland and beginning his 28 year teaching career at Groton Elementary school. Before retiring in 2001, Jim connected with students through a variety of extracurricular activities which included coaching the girls' varsity basketball team and overseeing rocket club, chess club and Leader's club. In addition to family and education, Jim had many hobbies that he was passionate about. He loved to travel, read, work on his model railroad, collect model cars and trucks, and visit historical sites with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Susan Patterson, sons Kevin (Tina) Patterson and Gregg Patterson, daughter Annie (Tommy) Martin, grandsons Andrew James Patterson and James Robert Martin, step grandsons Nathan and Tyler, brothers John D. (Michele) Patterson, Walter "Hank" (Connie) Schwedes, Mark (Dale) Schwedes, Jeff (Rosemary) Schwedes, sister Judy (Sandy) Schwedes, mother-in-law Helen Kiely, and several nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents John D. Patterson Sr. and Jane Clay Schwedes, step father Walter Schwedes Sr., sister Mary Jane Schwedes, and father-in-law Patrick Kiely. Calling hours will be Saturday 2-3:45 pm with a service to begin 4 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045. A reception will follow at the CNY Living History Museum, Homer Ave. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Caring Community Hospice of Cortland or the CNY Living History Museum. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com