James Rolm Patterson Jr. (White Eagle), 79
James Rolm Patterson Jr. (White Eagle) and commonly known as Jim White Eagle of Eureka, Mont., passed away at his home on Sept. 21, 2010, of natural causes.
He was born on Feb. 8, 1931, in Henderson, N.C., to James Rolm Patterson, Sr., and Helen Beddingfield Patterson, the oldest of six kids. A good portion of his growing up was spent farming tobacco and cotton. He joined the military in the 10th grade and obtained his GED, and then in 1954 he served a hitch seeing active duty in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1956. He never spoke much of this period of his life. However, seeing active duty during wartime in the Cold War era, one could easily imagine how he was forever profoundly affected. This experience, however, did not dampen his nomadic character and the very adventuresome (to say the least) life he went on to lead.
After his military service he started playing college football under Coach Bobby Bowden at South Georgia College. He and Bobby remained good friends, being proudly noted in Bobby's recently published book, "Called to Coach." He attended various colleges playing football until he joined the NFL for a short time, playing with the Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers. His wandering spirit then led him to the cowboy way where he found true passion in rodeo, ranching and long haul truck driving throughout the Midwest and west, eventually meeting his wife, Louise Helen Schmoe in Klamath Falls, Ore.. They married on Sept. 27, 1965, in Reno, Nev., and began a family, living in various places throughout Oregon ranching and long haul truck driving until relocating to Eureka in 1984. He and Louise were married 40 years upon her passing in 2005.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Louise; his parents; his dear friend Doris Pryor; and his beloved cow dog, Emily.
He is survived by his eight children, Charlotte Woods of Irvine, Calif.; Geraldine Urell (Rick) of Bend, Ore.; Jettra Bufo' of Glendive, Mont.; Jamie Patterson of Eureka, Mont.; Jolladeane Doyle (Chris) of Medford, Wis.; Bernadeane Roth (Joe) of Sheridan, Wyo.; Jarvis Patterson (Mandy) of Tacoma, Wash.; 11 grandchildren; 4 great grand children; the very loyal family friend who cared for dad until his passing, Paul Tomlinson and his children; his siblings, Robert Patterson of Garnet, N.C.; Janie Faye Lassiter of Knightdale, N.C.; Nancy Pulley of Henderson, N.C.; Walter Patterson of Citrus Heights, Calif., and Jack Patterson of Thailand; various aunts, uncles, and cousins and many nieces, nephews and good friends.
Although being human with many faults, and maybe not always practicing the part, he truly was a convicted Christian who never ate a meal without first giving thanks and raised his kids to know about the love of Jesus Christ. He spent much of his later years, especially losing his wife, in prayer and meditation. Rarely a Sunday passed without "going to church" with the Schullers at the Crystal Cathedral or with Joel Osteen. He missed his wife terribly and looked very forward to the day when he would be reunited with her. He was very proud of all his children.
Jim dearly loved his grand and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spoiling and spending time with them. He also enjoyed visiting and spending time with his siblings and looked forward to seeing them after the New Year. He also perfected his version of cooking one-pot meals that would, amazingly enough, grow throughout the week. He always enjoyed country western music, especially Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Roy Clark. Jim lived an amazing, adventuresome and interesting life, having experienced much more than could ever be written. He would proudly share his wide array of experiences with anyone who had enough time to listen.
Services were held on Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, at the First Baptist Church in Eureka, Mont., with Pastor Pat Lovitt officiating. Full military honors followed at the Tobacco Valley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Eureka VFW Post 6786, 114 Dewey Avenue, Eureka, Mont. 59917. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.