PROFILE: James Patton was born in March of 1915 in Burnham, Illinois. Patton attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1983 when he was added to the PIONEER section of the Hall of Fame, Patton was still active in the industry.

HISTORY: James Patton began his career in greyhounds during the 1940-41 season at Jacksonville Kennel Club. Patton remained at Jacksonville until World War II when he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. Following the war, in September 1945, Patton returned to learn the business of greyhound racing from Wm. H. Johnston at Jacksonville Kennel Club. Patton served as president of the Miami Beach Kennel Club until its sale in 1980 and has served as president of Orange Park Kennel Club, Bayard Raceways and Jacksonville Kennel Club since his election in 1967. In 1983 Patton was also vice-president of Tampa Greyhound Track, Sportsman’s Park in Chicago and Chicago Downs Association. James Patton has served two terms in the 1950’s as president of the Florida division of the American Greyhound Track Operators Association.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: James Patton had been responsible for many improvements to the various race tracks under his management. Patton also supervised the construction of the new Orange Park Kennel Club in 1971, the new Jacksonville Kennel club in 1978 and the rebuilding of the Bayard Raceways, completed in 1983.