Staff Sergeant James A. Patterson

Staff Sergeant James A. Patterson, 32, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2018. Born in Philadelphia, PA, James is survived by his wife, Amanda L. Patterson and his daughter, Carrera J. Patterson. He was the son of Jim Patterson and Andrea Motley, both of Philadelphia, PA. James graduated from JP McCaskey High School in 2004, where he was known for speeding his red Volkswagen Jetta through “tornado alley,” causing the installation of the barrier poles between the two school buildings. Following high school, James earned a degree in Systems and Networking Administration from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in 2007. James married his high school sweetheart Amanda in 2007 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2009 as a Private First Class. In 2011, James and Amanda welcomed Carrera “CJ” Patterson into their lives. James took great pride in naming his “Baby Girl,” and in instilling a sense of confidence and integrity in his daughter. James passed on his love of video games, Chic-fil-A, Nerds candies, and salty food to Carrera. In his off time, James could be found working on his old Subaru, listening to Breaking Benjamin, or enjoying Will Ferrell movies. In addition to his wife, daughter, and parents, James is survived by his brothers, Justin husband of Chyna Patterson, Jason Motley and fiancé Allison Boyd, and his sister, Jennifer Motley, uncle Dennis Motley and cousins, Gabrielle and Giselle Motley, all of Philadelphia, PA. He was very close to his younger sister-in-laws, Samantha and Leyla Germosen of Whitehouse, TX and was loved and respected by all of Amanda’s family. Relatives and friends are invited to attend James’ Home Going Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 701 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Roland P. Forbes officiating. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends at The Groff Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 528 W. Orange Street (corner of W. Orange and Pine Sts.), Lancaster PA 17603 on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and again at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, development@afsp.org .