James Kevin Patton passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital Hospice in Springfield, Illinois. He was surrounded by his entire family, who offered comfort, support, and loving goodbyes during his final hours.

Kevin was born on February 15, 1954, in Kankakee, Illinois, the son of Dr. Earl Dean Patton (1922–2014) and Catherine Gaynelle (Dent) Patton (1926–2017). He attended elementary school in Champaign, Illinois, junior high in Culver City, California, graduated from Springfield High School, and later attended Western Illinois University.

On June 26, 1982, Kevin married the love of his life, Nancy Jean Baker. Their 41-year marriage was the foundation of their family and a partnership rooted in devotion, humor, and shared values. Nancy preceded him in death on September 6, 2023.

Kevin is survived by his children: William Gre (wife Melanie), James Ryan (wife Delaney), and Catherine Elizabeth (husband Daryl Fullmer); and his six cherished grandchildren, Abigail Lynn, Hannah Lynn, Jackson William, Nora Jaye, Harper Jean, and Madison Catherine. He is also survived by his brother, John Brian (wife Kimberly) Patton; his uncle, Austin (wife Peggy) Dent; his cousins, Mark (wife Christine) Austin, Debbie Joe Crain (husband Stephen), and Rebecca Taylor (husband Norman); along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Kevin loved his children beyond his ability to express fully. He was a father who believed in rules, respect, and personal responsibility. He expected effort, resilience, and accountability, knowing that weak character fares poorly in a competitive world. Kevin and Nancy were intentional in instilling self-reliance and a strong work ethic in their children—and the results speak for themselves. Their children are a true credit to their parenting.

His passion for the culinary arts anchored Kevin's professional life. He began his career at Bauer's Restaurant and the Sangamo Club in Springfield, Illinois. He went on to serve as Kitchen Manager at Dixon Country Club, managed the Motor Club in Springfield, and later became Kitchen Manager at the wildly popular Fast Eddies Seafood Restaurants in Tarpon Springs and Anna Maria Island, Florida. The family eventually returned to Springfield so Kevin could be closer to his aging parents, where he worked as a chef with Arena Catering.

After decades spent on his feet, mobility challenges forced Kevin to step away from a career he truly loved. Never one to sit still, he began a second career in fleet truck sales with Crossroads Ford. There, he built lasting relationships and earned the respect—and friendship—of many customers until his retirement.

Kevin's second great passion was the outdoors. Early on, he worked at Gunsmoke Kennels/Holmes Serum Company in Springfield, where he learned the gundog training business. He carried those skills with him throughout his life, training an impressive line of exceptional waterfowl retrievers—dogs he doted on as if they were his own children. His affection for them was evident to anyone who knew him. They were coddled, spoiled, and always guaranteed a seat next to him on the couch when not afield. Here's to you, Duke, Molly, Buck, Tank, and Rusty.

In retirement, during warmer months—and when other obligations such as endless lawn mowing didn't interfere—Kevin could be found fishing Florida canals and flats, heading north to Canada in pursuit of walleye and pike, or closer to home chasing blue and channel catfish for family fish fries.

"Fall was his favorite time." When waterfowl season arrived, Kevin was all in. He obsessed over every detail: tracking migration patterns, watching wind and weather fronts, buying heaters, building portable blinds, servicing gear, refinishing decoys, and preparing for two relentless months of mallards and "black" geese.

But more than the hunt, Kevin cherished the camaraderie. At day's end, success wasn't measured by birds harvested but by time spent with friends—laughing, giving each other grief, debating politics (he was a die-hard conservative, though always willing to entertain a good argument), sharing stories of hunts past, cooking hearty breakfasts in the blind, and spoiling his dogs. These were the moments Kevin truly relished.

Kevin was especially welcoming to newcomers. He delighted in bringing others "into the fold," constantly extending a hand to young hunters or newcomers to the area, ensuring they felt welcome and received a warm reception at the pre-hunt draw.

Those who knew Kevin will miss him deeply. He will be remembered whenever there's an ashtray full of cheap menthol cigarettes, the familiar aroma of a Scotch (soda, with a twist—thank you), and an empty chair at the family's post-holiday poker table.

In lieu of flowers, Kevin requested donations be made in his name to the Sangchris Waterfowlers Association.

The club plays a vital role in preserving Lake Sangchris and the outdoor traditions Kevin loved so deeply. They maintain the hunting blinds throughout the lake, host a large annual youth and young hunter event, and provide several youth hunts each year to introduce the next generation to the outdoors.

As we all know, Kevin was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent countless hours at Lake Sangchris doing what he loved most. Supporting this organization is a meaningful way to honor his passion, his time on the water, and his love for passing down those traditions.

Venmo Link for donations:

Venmo@SangchrisWaterfowlers

Facebook link for Kevin's celebration of life.