James Patten

James H. Patten , 79, passed away June 20, 2013 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born in Parker County, Texas. Parents were Hubert James Patten and Rosie Maynard Patten. He graduated from Falfurrias High School in 1952 and went to work for Haliburton. While attending Texas AI University he served for 1 year as a police officer for Kingsville, Texas. He served as City Secretary from 1958 to 1962 while completing his undergraduate degree at Texas AI University. Mr. Patten left the City of Kingsville to work for First Savings and Loan from 1962 to 1975 serving as President for five years. He then went to work at Kleberg First National Bank and served as VicePresident and Executive VicePresident from 1975 to 1995 and served as a Kleberg Bank Board Member.
With 20 years of service, his banking responsibilities included commercial, real estate, personal loans, and supervisor of the banks whollyowned subsidiary, Kleberg First National Mortgage Company. He was instrumental in the development of the banks speculative housing construction loan program that spurred congressional legislation to create the Navy Housing Initiative Act of 1995.
His community involvement was extraordinary.
He served as the President of, The Chamber of Commerce, Kingsville Area Industrial Development Foundation, Kingsville Noon Lions Club, Kleberg County Appraisal Board, Kingsville Country Club, First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees, and Kingsville Swim Team.
He served as Chairman of Kleberg County United Way, American Cancer Society and Christus Spohn Kleberg Hospital Board. He served a term on the Kingsville Independent School District Board of Trustees.
His dedicated service to Kingsville community earned him the honor of Citizen of the Year in 1982. He served 25 years with the Boy Scout program and was he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award. He was recently awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian services from Lions Club International Foundation.
James enjoyed fishing, traveling, and boy scouts with his wife and sons. His adventures with Eileen include white water rafting, parasailing, and snow skiing. They have bicycled across the U.S. and Europe and have enjoyed African Safaris.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eileen three sons, Charles Patten of Houston, Texas Rodney Patten Marlee and family of Ava, Missouri, Randy Patten Nicole and family of Mansfield, Texas one sister, Shirley Morris of Portland, Oregon and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private graveside service for family and close friends will be held Monday, June 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Chamberlain Cemetery, Kingsville, Texas.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with a reception to follow at the C.L.C. Bldg.
Services are entrusted to TurcottePiper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.

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