Commissioner James Patterson is a native Texan who grew up in the central Texas town of Normangee. He received his Bachelors Degree from Sam Houston State University and his Masters Degree from the University of Houston. After graduating from Sam Houston State, James moved to Sugar Land and began his career as a teacher and coach at Dulles Junior High School. He taught math and coached there from 1965 through 1968, when he moved to Dulles High School as a math teacher and head basketball coach. In 1975, he became an assistant principal at Dulles High and was named Dulles High School’s principal in 1984. In 1992, James was named principal of Elkins High School and remained in that capacity until he retired in 1998.
James has been deeply involved with The Arc for many years and has been recognized for his contributions to this organization. The Quail Valley Exchange Club recognized him as a recipient of The Book of Golden Deeds Award for his many contributions to the community. The Sugar Land Masonic Lodge #1141 has also honored James with its Community Builder Award for his countless donations of time and talent to the community. The Rotary Club of Sugar Creek honored Commissioner Patterson and Mrs. Patterson as the 2008 Humanitarian of the Year and they have been named as the 2018 Fort Bend County Fair honorees. Each year, he volunteers his time to be an auctioneer for multiple service organizations and churches in Fort Bend County.
James and his wife of over 55 years, Mary Jo, have lived in old Sugar Land for over 50 years. They have one son, two daughters, two sons-in-law, two grandsons & granddaughters in-law and one granddaughter. In 2017, Commissioner welcomed his first great-grandson. Commissioner Patterson was sworn into office on January 1, 1999, and enjoyed serving his community as Commissioner for Precinct 4. During his tenure, he remained committed to maintaining or improving the quality of life for all residents of Fort Bend County.