Obituary of Jimmy Dale Patterson

Life, Legacy, and Love

Jimmy Dale Patterson

A one-of-a-kind star, Jimmy Dale Patterson was born on January 30, 1956, in Spur, Texas to parents Merle Joiner Patterson and E.L. Patterson, Sr. Jim was raised in Spur, attended elementary school there and graduated from Spur High School in 1974. Jim was the youngest of eight (8) children. His older siblings loved and spoiled him his entire life - Irene Mae, Christine, Elnora Jean, Eula Mae, E.L. Jr., George Ed, and Freddie Lee. He accepted Christ at a very young age and joined Lakeside Baptist Church in Spur, Texas. Then later joined Munger Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. One of Jim’s favorite sayings was “I’m just a country boy from West Texas trying to find my way in the big city!”

Immediately after graduating high school, he entered North Texas State University (UNT) obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration degree on December 20, 1978. While in college he worked for Continental Baking Company with his oldest brother E.L. Jr.  Jim was a numbers and math wizard who embarked on an amazing professional career in oil and gas, banking, and law enforcement. His first profession was as an accountant for Mobil Oil Corporation, now ExxonMobil Corporation.

While working at Mobil Oil Corporation Jim met Phyllis Wilborn Patterson and they wed in 1983. Two beautiful children were born to the marriage, son Evan Brian Patterson in 1984, and daughter Attorney Alyssa “Jimene” Patterson (named after her dad) in 1989. Jim was an amazing and excellent father and was always present for his children. Jim taught his children to value education, have faith in God, to always do the right thing in life, and to treat people right. Jim enjoyed seeing his son Evan play basketball in both high school and college then go on to reach success as an entrepreneur (CEO/Owner-Mr. Sugar Rush, LLC.). Jim was super proud to see his daughter Alyssa graduate from OU law school and become a Texas licensed attorney. The last three years, Jim experienced so much joy having become a grandfather to Giana Patterson (3 yrs.) and Eian Patterson (6 months). He always looked forward to attending his grandchildren’s events; spending time with Evan’s fiancée Tiara Sowels and the Sowels family. 

Jim subsequently worked for the federal government in the banking sector. He had a distinguished career in banking including First Republic Bank of Dallas, its subsidiaries that now became Bank of America Corporation where he served as Vice President, Senior Operations Manager Treasury Services for 19 years. Jim then transitioned into the car business where he was a salesman and finance manager at Manuel Chrysler Jeep. Jim returned to public service and began on May 1, 2009, as an accountant for the Dallas County Tax Office. Then in 2013 he joined the Dallas County Sheriff’s office as the Director of Data Management Unit and remained in that position until his untimely death.

Over the years, Jim received numerous awards for his professional performance and expertise from Dallas County. He zealously led his department with compassion and professionalism. His co-workers, including the elected sheriff, his assistant directors, and other superiors highly respected him. His associates routinely spoke of his valuable contributions to the sheriff’s office, the Dallas County Commissioners and the County at large.

In his spare time, Jim loved to spend time with his family. He was an excellent cook and known to be a “grill master.” Jim cooked every Sunday, and loved to share time, love, and food with family. His favorite pastime was grilling West Texas chicken, brisket, and ribs and he was known for his famous “baked chicken.” Jim planned to open a BBQ business in his retirement. Jim loved to spend every holiday with his entire family and friends, which was vital and most important to his life.  Jim loved his college, work and family friends. He loved to hang with his best friend from college Alfred Craig they had been friends for 50 years and worked together. Moreover, Jim spent many years and cherished memories, holidays with partner Vahnita Loud and the Loud/Wallace family. Vahnita acted as a stepmother to Jim’s children and always showed love and supported them.

Jim always had a smile on his face, a positive word to say, and was selfless. He gave to everyone and always made a difference in any room he stepped into.

Jim is preceded in death by his, parents E.L. Sr. and Merle Patterson, grandparents, Fred and Carrie Joiner, sisters Christine Sweet, Irene Brown; brothers E.L. Patterson, Jr., Freddie Lee Patterson; nieces and nephews Latanya Gaines, Craig Anthony Sweet, first wife Phyllis Patterson, longtime life partner Vahnita Loud, aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Jim leaves behind and he will forever be remembered by his beloved children Evan (Fiancée Tiara Sowels) Patterson, Alyssa Patterson, Esq., grandchildren Giana Patterson, Eian Patterson, loving sisters and brother who will miss him dearly Elnora “Jean” Stokes, Eula Mae Bender, and last living brother George Patterson Sr, last living aunt Corine Tryels, beloved nieces and nephews, best friend Alfred Craig, special friend Nicol McElroy, and many family members, coworkers, and friends who loved him dearly.