James Arthur Patton Sr. died Thursday October15, 2026 at 3:05 am at his residence.  Funeral services will be held Monday October 19, 2026 at 11 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Harrisburg, IL. Visitation will be held Monday after 9 am until service time. Father Christian Iwuagwu will officiate. Burial will be in St Joseph Cemetery in Equality, IL with military rites by the Ridgway and Shawneetown American Legions and the Army National Guard Ritual team.

He was born on December 4, 1944 in Shawneetown, IL to the late Clyde and Anna Lucille (Smith) Patton.

He married the former Sheryl Tanner on February 10, 1968 and she survives.

He served our country in the United States Army for over 5 years where he became a very decorated soldier while serving in the Vietnam war. Some of those decorations include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal and others. 

After his tour with the Army he came back to Southern Illinois and became a farmer which he loved to do as well as watch Nascar, go fishing and follow the St. Louis Cardinals.

He was also a lifetime member of the Equality American Legion, Ridgway VFW and the Golconda VFW.

James is survived by his wife: Sheryl Patton of Equality, IL; son: James A. Patton Jr. of Shawneetown, IL; 5 Daughters: Joan Marie Patton of Marion, IL; Cathrine (Matt) Sabo of Columbia, Maryland; Nancy (Jason) Brown of Albion, IL; Julie Patton of Equality, IL and Christina (Aaron) Adams of St Charles, MO; 4 grandchildren: Aaron Brown, Emily Houk, Allison Sabo and Alexsia Patton; and 2 sisters: Mary D'Armon and Brenda Patton.

He was preceded in death by a daughter: Ruth Christine Patton; sister: Linda Cushard and 2 brothers: John "Skipper" Patton and David Patton.