James C. Patton (Jim, JC), 89, of Valparaiso, IN went home to the Lord in Fort Myers, FL on January 16, 2024.

He was born January 6, 1935, in Crittenden, KY to Paul O. Patton and Nona B. (Teer) Patton. Jim graduated from Lew Wallace High School, Gary, IN in 1954. He retired as an Officer from the Indiana National Guard, which he enlisted in 1963. Jim married Abby Creech in 1998, and she survives. He was an entrepreneur and owned truck stops in Indiana and Florida. He also served as Commodore of the Marquette Yacht Club in Portage. Jim loved traveling the world, boating, and annual fishing trips with lifelong friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Patton, Jr.. Surviving in addition to his wife, Abby (Creech) Patton, are his sister, Ruby (Patton) Powell, his children, Lori Dorrington (Chuck), Jennifer Lee (Christopher), Chuck Creech (Debbie), and Sandra Christian (Steve). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth Good (Frank), Robert Creech, Steffane Hynes (Michael), Maeve Pollard (Theo), Annie Lee (Justin), and 4 great-grandchildren.

A service of remembrance will be held, Wednesday, January 24 at 12:00 pm at Eastlake Baptist Church, 7121 East Lincoln Highway (US 30), Crown Point, IN 46307. Visitation from 10:00 until the time of service. The interment will be at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. Jim loved the work of St. Jude Children's Hospital and charitable contributions can be made there. Arrangements are entrusted to Rees Funeral Home Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, IN.. For more information call 219-762-3013 or share condolences with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com