Patrick, James R., Sr., was a prominent figure in the phosphate industry, employed for many years with IMC, Agrico and Mosaic, the passing of James R Patrick, Sr on June 15, 2017, closes the door on the early development of phosphate mining in Central Florida.
Noted for his entrepreneurial skills, he set out on his own in 1975 building the Bone Valley Service Company and Mulberry Railcar Repair Company business in Mulberry, Florida, which flourished for 40 years. Mr. Patrick was one of six children. As a young boy during the years of the Great Depression of the 1930's he and his brother Bob sold boiled and parched peanuts on the streets of Lakeland. Here he learned the benefits of hard work.
He graduated from Lakeland High School and Florida Southern College. He and his brother followed their father, a WWI veteran, into the Navy in WWII.
His career included Director of Transportation with International Minerals and Chemical Co. for over 20 years, then Director of Overseas Sales for Agrico which took he and his wife Joyce to Japan for one year. Mr. Patrick was acquainted with foreign industrialists from Japan and Europe who were engaged in the development of phosphate consumption throughout South East Asia and European markets.
The passing of his wife Joyce in 2014 after 68 years of marriage, prompted Mr. Patrick to sell part of his corporation and retire on his beautiful estate in Brandon. He was a man of many talents who observed nature and grew many beautiful plants in his greenhouse, then shared them with family, friends and neighbors. As his health declined he enjoyed the estate he owned for 55 years, including his lagoon which contained different species of fish and wildlife.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, his dear parents, Robert A. Patrick, Jr, and Maidee Patrick, sister, Amanda Behrens, sister-in-law, Jean Patrick, nephew, Robert A. Patrick, IV, and his brother, Robert A. Patrick, III. He leaves behind his daughter, Mary Kay Patrick, son, James Russell Patrick, Jr., sisters, Mary McCarty, Martha Lewis, and Grace Sheppard. His extended family includes many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home.