Patterson, Jim

Patterson's niche was being instrumental in the initial development of the first Athletic Booster Club, starting the first athletic programs and getting the athletic facilities up and running at Wilson High School. He was involved with the school for 36 years and was a "jack-of-all-trades". From his involvement with the PTO, athletic boosters, organizing the first football and basketball teams, fund-raising, operating the public address system, to helping organize the first band, Patterson was diversified in his involvement. There were no county buses for athletic travel so the county purchased a bus from Gasden in 1956 to provide a means of travel. The school paid half the gas expense and Patterson paid half out of his pocket! His diversified contributions to the school made Wilson what it is today, and the title "Mr. Wilson High" is certainly applicable to Patterson.