James Patterson
James W. Patterson, 71, a Philadelphia lawyer, died November 28 of prostate cancer.
Patterson was a partner with Reger Rizzo & Darnall for the past seven years. He focused his practice on transportation law and the issues encountered by freight and passenger carriers, as well as the manufacturers and distributors of those carriers.
Recently, Patterson took on the role of senior adviser, helping clients with owner-managed businesses, according to his biography on the firm's website.
From 1966 to 1967, Patterson was a captain in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps.
He then began working as a lawyer for various firms, including Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, Pelino & Lentz and Saul Ewing, before joining Reger Rizzo.
Patterson was a member of several organizations, such as the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association and the Association for Transportation Law, Logistics and Policy. He also chaired the passenger transportation committee of the Transportation Lawyers Association.
He received his bachelor's degree from Dickinson College and his law degree from the Dickinson School of Law.
Patterson is survived by his wife, Mary Ann McCombs; his son, James McKee; his daughter, Nancy Kathryn Patterson Hinnen; five grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.
A service is set for 10:30 a.m. January 5 at Swarthmore United Methodist Church, 129 Park Ave, Swarthmore, Pa.
Contributions can be made to the James Patterson Fund, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine Development Office, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia. •
