James Russell Patton, 61, of Waco, died Monday, December 21, 2020 after a brief illness at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco
Graveside: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Oakwood Cemetery with The Rev. Christopher Rodgers officiating
Due to COVID-19, those attending the graveside are kindly asked to wear a mask and be mindful to others with social distancing.
James Russell Patton III was born April 23, 1959 to Ada Risher Stone Patton and James Russell Patton, Jr., in St. Louis, MO., where his father was a Medical Resident at Barnes Hospital, Washington University. His parents instilled a love of travel, which he enjoyed throughout his life. Both of his parents came from families with deep roots in Waco, and the family returned to the community in the early 1960s.
Russell, a curly-haired fair child, entered St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School at the age of three. Curious and intelligent, Russell continue his education at Mountainview Elementary, Lake Air Junior High and St. Louis Catholic School. He could be found literally reading the full encyclopedia and drawing architectural drafts. In 1973, Russell became one of the inaugural students at Vanguard High School. By then, he was a tall young man known for his wide-ranging knowledge, retention of dates, excellent scholarship, linguistic talent, sense of humor, fine grammar skill, wonderful dance partner and quick wit. Russell graduated from Duke University and St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Following careers in banking and real estate in San Antonio and Houston, Russell made Waco his home. From this base, he traveled extensively. Over the years he visited Africa, Europe, Asia, Russia, South America and New Zealand.
Russell is survived by his sister, Laura Risher Patton Hamburger and husband, Charles L. Hamburger; nieces, Laura Grace Hamburger and Sara Risher Hamburger; his Badgett, Sleeper and Dossett cousins; and numerous close friends.
Those wishing to make a memorial gift in Russell’s memory are encouraged to consider a charity of your choice.
Place of Service: Oakwood Cemetery , 2124 S.5th St.; Waco, TX 76706
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Condolences to the family of Russell – he was my next door neighbor for many years – I will miss Russell backing out of his driveway with his best friend in tow, heading to the dog park.
RIP Russell.
The Baylor Scott & White Hospice team would like to extend to you our deepest sympathy. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Russell was my close friend in Houston. He was an amazing man. Fun, always a gentleman and kind and very interesting and interested. Always curious with that twinkle in those Baby Blue Eyes and his Blonde curly hair. He knew everyone and had been everywhere. So intelligent. He called and told me he loved me and shared his thoughts and feelings. I can just see he and his Dad off on a fishing adventure like the ones they went to in New Zealand. I miss you my special friend. Love you. Until We Meet Again💖🙏❤️Sea Cie
I am deeply saddened, as I knew Russell in Houston for quite a while . He was such a kind, generous person.
I met Russell in the 90s while working at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, Washington. He was a volunteer in the cathedral office. We became quick friends. He looked me up a few years ago and came to Seattle for a summer visit. I have been wondering why I had not heard from him (I knew he had bee having health problems) and became worried when he did not answer my emails and calls.
I am so sad that he is gone. He was a good friend and I miss him so much. There will never be another like him.
I would be grateful if you could forward this to Russell’s family. I just learned he had passed.
Russell and I were the Duke students hired by NCNB (now Bank of America) to open and manage the very first ATM machine on the Duke campus back in 1979. He and I also worked the summer of 1980 as bank tellers at the main Durham branch. What a good guy, and a good guy to work with. My recollection is that he had perhaps been a teller the year before, because I recall him showing me the ropes. He may have even recommended me for the job; I can’t remember other than he was somehow doing it before I was.
Looking back now amazing they trusted us to load $10,000 wedges of bills into the machine with not much of a lock on the door. And the early ATM machines were somewhat problematic- I recall us back there doing maintenance and someone’s card would be eaten, and the student would shout through the slot “I know you’re back there!” Many humorous moments trying to keep everything organized, and Russell a fun guy to have shared them with.
My condolences to Russell’s family. I have great memories of him. Best, Keith Danko Duke ’81