WWII Hero Who Still Worked At Car Repair Shop At 94 Dies In Crash

CHICAGO (BEVERLY) — Col. James D. Patton, the 94-year-old who died in a car crash in Oak Forest earlier this week, had a remarkable and highly distinguished life that included service in the U.S. Army during World War II and a post-service career with the Chicago Police Department.

The Beverly neighborhood native, who most recently lived in Tinley Park before his death on Jan. 28, was still working at the Patton Motor Service auto repair shop owned by his son, Pat, on 102nd and Western, daughter-in-law Candy Patton said.

Candy Patton said her father-in-law was being driven home from work by his daughter on Monday when their car was hit on 167th Street just west of Cicero.

"He was 94, and totally with it," Candy said. "His wife is 92 and is the same, an amazing woman."

James was married to Eileen (nee Quagliano) for 71 years, his obituary on the Maher Funeral Home website states. He was a retired colonel in the Army, a World War II veteran and retired lieutenant with the CPD.

In addition to Eileen, Patton leaves behind eight children and their spouses, 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Patton was most recently a parishioner at St. Julie Billiart in Tinley Park and is originally from the St. Barnabas parish in Beverly. His services will be held in Tinley.

Last year, he was honored before a Chicago White Sox game as a "Hero of the Day," Candy said. More on this here via the Beverly Review.

Services For James Patton

via Maher Funeral Home:

Visitation Monday (Feb. 3) 3-9 p.m. Funeral Tuesday (Feb. 4) 9 a.m. from the Maher Funeral Home 17101 S. 71st. Ave., Tinley Park, to St. Julie Church, 7399 W. 159th St., Tinley Park, IL for Mass at 10 a.m. Private interment Wednesday at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smile Train P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231 or www.smiletrain.org. To sign guestbook, visit maherfuneralservices.com (708) 781-9212.