James E. Patten passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016 at Haven Hospice at JFK Medical Center in Edison. He was 82 years old.

Born in Woodbridge, he was a lifelong resident.

Mr. Patten was a graduate of Seton Hall University and was employed as a creative writing teacher with the Woodbridge Board of Education for thirty years at Iselin Middle School, Colonia High School and Woodbridge High School before retiring in 1990; and served as a consultant with The New Jersey Education Association.

He also served on the Woodbridge Township Council, The Woodbridge Township Board of Education and the Woodbridge Board of Fire Commissioners and was past President of The Woodbridge Township Education Association.

Mr. Patten was a lifelong communicant of Saint James Catholic Church in Woodbridge; a United States Navy veteran of the Korean War, belonged to Middlesex Council Knights of Columbus, Woodbridge and was a member and drummer for The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh in Old Bridge.

He was predeceased by a son, Michael Patten, in 2012.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Ann Kennedy Patten; a daughter Susan Wadsworth and her husband, David, of Narberth, PA; four sons, James Patten of Toms River, William N. Patten and his wife, Katherine, of Woodbridge, Thomas A. Patten and his wife, Wendy, of Woodbridge, and Joseph N. Patten and his wife, Veena, of Howell; ten grandchildren; a great grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 9:45 a.m. from Costello-Greiner Funeral Home (costello-greiner.com), 44 Green Street at Barron Avenue, Woodbridge. A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 10:30a.m. at Saint James Catholic Church, Woodbridge. Interment will be in Saint James Cemetery, Woodbridge. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contribution to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1719 Route 10, Suite 209, Parsippany, NJ 07054 would be greatly appreciated by the family.