Birth Date: March 21, 1921
Likes: Home-cooked, hearty meals, underwear that stays where it's supposed to, cotton socks, pants that don't itch, warm hugs on cold nights, and Christmas
Dislikes: War, people who lie, cheat and steal, abdominal gas, artichokes
Hobbies: Teaching April the joys of music, spending time with Iris, dancing, dancing, dancing and playing in his band!
Aspirations: To live to be 100, reread all of his National Geographics, see some of his war buddies again and to always remember where he put his slippers

Learn more about Jim's RCAF service during WWII

Grandpa wins your heart with his positive attitude. Not one to wallow, Grandpa Jim has moved on with his life since the death of his first wife, Marian. While attending dances at the local Legion, Jim met Iris Reid in the winter of 2000. It was Iris who gave him the courage to move out on his own again - (of course into the same building she lived in!). During the fall of 2003 the Patterson family was dazed, yet delighted, to learn of Grandpa's elopement with Iris - she is such a great addition to his life and to the family. Grandpa and Iris live in a seniors' apartment complex and are still very much a part of the Pattersons' daily lives.

A true romantic at heart, this tender man treasures quiet moments with his wife, and enjoyed every opportunity to take her dancing until a stroke in 2006 left him with difficulty moving and communicating. Jim has shared his love of music with his granddaughter and protege April, whom he taught to play the harmonica. He was the first one to put a guitar in her hand. He is proud that April is still so interested in music and is following in his footsteps by starting a band. It encouraged him to reform his band from the old days; he called them The New Bentwood Rockers and they performed regularly until Jim's health no longer allowed it.