J. O. Patterson Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. O. Patterson Jr.
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| Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee | |
| In office 1982–1982 |
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| Preceded by | J. Wyeth Chandler |
| Succeeded by | Wallace Madewell |
| Member of the Memphis City Council | |
| Member of the Tennessee State Senate | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 28, 1935 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | June 25, 2011 (aged 76) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Cause of death | kidney failure |
| Resting place | Memphis Memorial Park Cemetery Memphis, Tennessee |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | J. O. Patterson Sr. Deborah Indiana Mason Patterson |
| Residences | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Occupation | Former Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee 1982, State Legislator, Bishop, Pastor, Attorney and Mortician |
James Oglethorpe Patterson Jr. (born May 28, 1935 – died June 25, 2011) was an important leader from Memphis, Tennessee. He was a respected Holiness Pentecostal minister in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). He also made history as the first African-American to serve as the Mayor of Memphis.
Contents
About J. O. Patterson Jr.
His Early Life and Family History
James Oglethorpe Patterson Jr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee. His father, J. O. Patterson Sr., was the first international Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). His mother was Deborah Mason Patterson.
He was also the grandson of Bishop Charles Harrison Mason. Bishop Mason was the founder of the COGIC church. James O. Patterson Jr. came from a family deeply involved in church leadership.
His Education and Learning Journey
Patterson Jr. was a dedicated student. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration in 1958 from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. Later, he received a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1963 from DePaul University in Chicago. He also earned a Master of Religion Degree in 1985 from Memphis Theological Seminary.
His Career in Politics and Law
After finishing his studies, James O. Patterson Jr. worked as a lawyer. He then became very active in politics. He served as a State Representative for one term. He was also a State Senator for two terms.
He spent five terms as a Memphis City Councilman. In 1982, he became the interim Mayor of Memphis for 20 days. This was a very important moment. He was the first African-American to hold this top leadership position in the city. He also helped make decisions for Tennessee at the Tennessee Constitutional Convention. He attended the Democratic National Convention several times.
His Leadership in the Church
In 1985, James O. Patterson Jr. became a Bishop in the Church of God in Christ. He was the Pastor of the Pentecostal Temple Church Of God In Christ in Memphis. This church had 2,500 active members. He also led the 1st Ecclesiastical Headquarters Jurisdiction of Tennessee for COGIC.
Bishop Patterson was the Chairman of the General Assembly for COGIC. This role meant he oversaw all important meetings. These meetings decided the church's beliefs and rules. He also continued his father's work in broadcasting and media ministries. He was involved in many community projects in inner-city areas.
His Later Years and Legacy
Bishop Patterson also served as the President of J. O. Patterson Mortuary, Inc. He was a writer for the Official COGIC Manual. He was part of the COGIC Legal Counsel. He also served on the Board of Directors for the C. H. Mason Foundation.
James O. Patterson Jr. passed away on June 25, 2011, at the age of 76. He died from kidney failure in a Memphis hospital. His funeral was held at the Mason Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis. Bishop Charles E. Blake led the service. He is remembered as a dedicated leader in both his community and his church.
