Given by Patterson School Foundation on The Patterson School Campus, in Hickory Hall Dining Room, at 5:30 pm, on Dec. 12, Campus tenants, old friends, & family gathered for a pot-luck Christmas Dinner to surprise Jim Hogan on his 82nd birthday. The Dining Hall was decorated with a Christmas tree, colorful holiday table linens, a Nativity, and a special berry & greenery centerpiece by Liza Plaster.
Janet Spoon, Kitty Rosati
The PSF Board presented Jim with a special framed print of the School’s old dinner bell, more recently known as “The Victory Bell.” A brass inscription was attached:
“In loving honor of Jim Hogan In cherished memory of Marie Hogan For 30 years of service, faith and leadership 1983 – 2013 Countless lives touched for good & for Christ Well done, thou good & faithful servants”
Jim joined The Patterson School Board of Trustees in 1983, thus beginning his and his wife Marie’s service to the School. When the Episcopal Church decided to close and sell the School at auction in 1994, the Hogans, other locals, & Betty Patterson Medlin (Great Niece of Samuel L. Patterson) & her husband George, committed to saving the property and legacy for our community’s future generations. The group was legally advised to establish Patterson School Foundation, Inc. for the purpose of purchasing and protecting the property. The Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization committed to preserving the Campus for educational, agricultural, and historic purposes.
The School reopened in 1995 and continued to operate through May 2009, the School’s Centennial year. We are grateful that Jim has recently been able to enjoy a renewal of agricultural activities and educational ventures on this treasured property.
A descendant of General William Lenoir, Jim was born in the house where he still lives, He spent many years operating his father’s business, Appalachian Outdoor Advertising before selling the business to Lamar. He continues to own & operate Joyceton Waterworks in Whitnel. He also continues to be the primary manager and caretaker for The Patterson School Campus, now the location of Patterson Science Center, Patterson Reborn Community Church, and Moravian Prep.
In the 1990s, the School established an annual award known as “The Jim Hogan Dedication Award.” It was well-named, and recipients had to show great love for the Campus through hard and steady work.
His children are James Hogan and wife Janis of Lenoir, and John Hogan and wife Margaret of Raleigh, NC. His grandsons are Clay and Paul Hogan of Lenoir, and his granddaughters are Cameron and Parker Hogan of Raleigh.
Jim is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir, and a graduate of Davidson College and McCallie School. He was born on December 12, 1931, in Lenoir, NC.