PATTERSON, Jay M.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/30/2011 Jay M. Patterson, 87, of St. Johns died Dec. 24, 2011. Jay was born Oct. 4, 1924, the ninth of 11 children to Joy and Josephine Patterson. Jay graduated from St. Johns High School and then attended the University of Arizona. It was at the University of Arizona that he met his first wife, Jane Rigby. The two raised five children together: Lynn (Jay) Douglas; Rigby; Nicholas (Catherine) Patterson; Craig (Diane) Patterson and Marc (Natalie) Patterson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, and son Nicholas. Jay is now survived by his wife, Evelyn, and her daughter Deborah (Paul) Wollam. Jay was very proud of his pioneer heritage and chose to live in St. Johns and work with his brother Charlie and Rob and his sister Dorothy in the family business. Together they extended the existing family holdings in ranching and farming and held the title to the oldest continuously family owned Chevrolet dealership west of the Mississippi. Jay was President of Rancho Alegre Cattle Company that extended from the White Mountains of Northern Arizona into New Mexico along with holdings in Concho, the Zuni and St. Johns. Together with his siblings they ran a profitable farming ranching operation and managed a successful auto and farming equipment dealership. Jay was active in local politics serving two separate terms on the St. Johns City Council. Also he was instrumental in securing a branch of The Valley National Bank in St. Johns, developing the local Trail Riders Inn and helped to bring the Salt River Project coal fired generating station to the area, for which he was very proud. Jay had a passion for travel and with his wife, Evelyn travelled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. In the spring of 2008, Jay took his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on a seven-day cruise along the Mexican Riveria. This was one of the family's best times together. But mostly Jay will be remembered for his sense of humor. Often times friends would drop by the motor company just to enjoy his storytelling. His wit and humor entertained them and they left with a smile and a lighter heart. These friends hailed from the far corners of the world, both humble and mighty. Jay had a gift that he used well. This gift never left him and the stories and antics he carried out will live in the memories of his wife, children, and countless friends. Lastly, he will be remembered for his loyalty to his family, his parents and his brothers and sisters. He did many things to ensure their safety and wellbeing through long years of living next door to the ones he loved. Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 31, at the Downtown LDS Chapel in St. Johns. Viewing will be at 11 a.m. and funeral service at noon. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to The John Wayne Institute, 2200 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, Calif. 90404, Attn: Dr. Morton's Research. Leave an online condolence at www.burnhammortuary.com Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.