He was born March 20, 1952, in Rushville, IL to Albert and Roberta (Croxton) Patton. He married Susan Lynn Overway on July 2, 1983. James was a teacher at Bloomington Jr High for 28 years, Heartland Community College for over 20 years and Bowen for 8 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Susan; his two beautiful daughters, Rachel (Travis) Lilienthal of Bloomington, IL and Rebecca Patton of Normal, IL; his dad, Robert Marquis of Rushville, IL; three grandchildren, Scarlett, Carter and Wyatt Lilienthal; and two brothers, John (Vicky) Marquis of Rushville, IL and J. Michael (Angela) marquis of Auburn, IL.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
Memorial services to celebrate the life of James will be 3 p.m. Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the East Lawn Funeral Home 1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in East Lawn Memorial Gardens.