Jimmy L. Patterson, 73, of East Peoria, passed away at 2:10 pm on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at OSF Medical Center in Peoria.  Jimmy was born on May 21, 1949 in Decatur, Alabama to James and Elaine Pannell Patterson.

Jimmy is survived by the love of his life, Lois A. Patterson.  Meeting at the Roller Gardens in East Peoria, they began their life together, marrying on November 17, 1965.  Together, they had three children, Brian (Diana) Patterson, Kimberly (Brian) Gissel, and Jason (Diana) Patterson; he was the coolest grandpa to 14 grandchildren - Brandy, Ashley, Jimmy, Mackenzie, Rachel, Taylor, Gaby, Tanner, Broderick, Derek, Grace, Emersyn, Liam, and Oliver; seven great-grandchildren - Jaxson, Brooklyn, Trigg, Callahan, Julianna, Jay, and Ry; two sisters, Kathy (Vern) Peacock, Melinda (fiancé, David) Neville, four step-sisters Debby (Jim) Willis, Joanie (Andy) Petermeyer, Lori Meginnes-Hall, and Tracy (Mark) Hester; and one brother, Danny (Kim) Patterson and two step-brothers Greg Meginnes and Scott Lambert.  He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mom; one brother, Alan Dotson and step-sister Denise Nanni.

Jimmy worked at P&G Electrical in East Peoria before retiring to enjoy his hobbies.

Jimmy's greatest joy was his family and his four-legged companion Piper, whom he loved spending time with.   While a young father and new grandpa, Jimmy coached his children and grandchildren in various sports including basketball, football and softball.  Jimmy was also active in Cub Scouts with his son.  An avid hunter and fisherman, Jimmy found fellowship and camaraderie hunting with his buddies.  He belonged to two local sporting clubs, the Willipat Goose Club and the Wilmor Sportsman Club in Morton. If life wasn't busy enough, Jimmy was also a member of several bowling leagues in the Peoria area. As many already know, Jimmy's greatest passion, second only to his family, was his love for racing.

In March of 1981 he became an inaugural member of the Peoria Old Timers Club and was inducted into the Peoria Old Timers Racing Club "Hall of Fame" in 2012.  Jimmy was a proud Nascar member and dedicated 50 years of service working various jobs as a Flagman, Announcer or Track Official at the local racetracks. Jimmy owned, drove and sponsored many race cars over the years.  If you were looking for Jimmy, one thing was certain: if it was a Saturday night you would find him at the racetrack.

Everyone who knew Jimmy, knew he loved his family very much.  To say his family and friends will miss him greatly is an understatement.

Cremation has been accorded.  Please join us for a Celebration of Life at 306 Oakwood Ave.  in East Peoria on Monday, May 29 2023 from 1 to 5 pm.  Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Global Autism Project https://globalautismproject.org/.