James "Jim" Lloyd Patterson

James "Jim" Lloyd Patterson 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay on April 20, 2024. He was born at home in De Pere on February 3, 1930 to Josephine and Lewis Patterson.

From the beginning, Jim was always a self-starter and never afraid of hard work. His first job at the age of 10 was vacuuming cars at the Robinson Gas Station as well as caring for the Ryan Funeral Home cars. He also worked away from home on a dairy farm all summer earning $1 a day plus board. He would only come home on the weekends and had to be back to work on Sunday for the milking. He had many paper routes and on Sundays, sold the Milwaukee-Sentinel after Mass at St. Boniface Church. He was also a pinsetter for for the bowling alley in De Pere. This was all while living through the Great Depression.

In 1945, during WWII, the factories needed workers. Jim dropped out of the 8th grade at St. Boniface School to go to work at US Paper Mill. At that time it was an all female workforce, due to the War. Without a drivers license, Jim's first job at the mill was as a truck driver. He was told to drive a semi truck to Northern Paper in downtown Green Bay. He had to back it up to the loading dock. He had never even driven a car, as his family did not own one. This took every once of perseverance. Of course, he was successful and the rest was history. Jim's paycheck starting out was $.45/hour. He was given a raise to $.57/hr soon thereafter, which he earned every cent.

Jim joined the US Army in 1948. US Paper Mill held his position while he proudly served his country. He went to Basic Training at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky. He was then sent to Japan for 18 months of combat training before being shipped out to Korea. He landed in Inchon, Korea with with a force of 6,000 men, climbing down rope ladders on to landing barges. He served in combat for 14 months in Korea, as opposed to 12 months, under the "Truman Law," due to his replacements being delayed.

When his Army service ended, Jim took the train back to Wisconsin. He hadn't been home for nearly three and a half years. He then walked from the De Pere Train Depot, across the bridge, to Cuene Buick and bought a black 1940 Chevrolet. He was back from the Korean War for only 3 days when he went back to work at US Paper Mill. He also bought his Father, Lewis, his very first car which was a big black Buick. He always said Lewis was very proud of that car. Lewis died shortly thereafter.

Jim's life changed for the best when he met Mavis Hintz at Joe Toney's restaurant in De Pere. On June 18, 1951 he married Mavis in Dubuque, Iowa. Jim and Mavis had two children David and Beverly and resided in De Pere. Jim and Mavis were quite a pair. They enjoyed time with family and friends at their cottage in Crivitz, Wisconsin. Bon fires brought out the best of Jim and many stories and songs were shared around the fire. Many road trip vacations were shared with friends. Jim always packed his "Doctor's Kit" for evenings at hotels where he made his famous Manhattans. Jim and Mavis loved business trips with US Paper Mill colleagues and friends.

After many years spent in the mill, Jim was promoted to Superintendent for US Paper Mill. He later advanced to mill Manager and ultimately served as Executive Vice President and Shareholder. Jim was on the Board of Directors and made lifelong friends during his 47 years. He was always so proud of the mill, always commenting when he drove down Fort Howard Avenue, "Oh good, it's steaming"

After retirement, Jim and Mavis enjoyed escaping the Wisconsin winters in Mexico Beach, Florida and Arizona. They spent their days walking the beaches, fishing, and having meals with friends Spending time and many breakfasts with family, was what was most important to Jim. You could find him nearly every morning chatting with friends at the counter in the Nicolet Restaurant.

Jim is survived by his loving family. Daughter, Bev (Gary) Coenen, Daughter-in-law, Mary Patterson. Grandchildren, James (Paula) Patterson, Melissa (Ty) Little, Amy (Francisco) Rosales. Great Grandchildren, Jadon and Elijah Patterson, Theodore and Elliott Little, Gabriel and Adele Rosales. Sister Joan Giles and Sisters-in-laws Esther Collins and Mary Ann Patterson.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Mavis, whom they shared a love like no other. He lost his devoted son, David, in 2018. Jim lost many friends and family members and always spoke of them, keeping their memories alive.

Family and friends may call on Ryan Funeral Home 305 N. Tenth Street in De Pere from 2:30-4:30 for Visitation on Friday, April 26, 2024. A Service held thereafter at 4:30 with Father James Baraniak, O. Praem. presiding. Entombment in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jim's name to De Pere Christian Outreach.

Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family.

Jim's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the 8th Floor Medical Staff at Bellin Hospital for their devoted, compassionate care of Jim. Also, a big thank you to the owners and staff at Nicolet Restaurant. You truly made him feel like family.