James Thomas Patterson was born in Rowland, North Carolina to Pastor Mary Jane Patterson and the late Frinch Patterson. His family moved from Rowland to the Wake County area in his youth. Working hard on the farm, going to church with his mother and bossing his younger siblings were mainstays of his upbringing. Upon graduating from Fuquay High School in 1970, he married his wife of 36 years, Mary Ann Rogers.

His passion for working with his hands and a desire to be his own boss inspired him to start a painting and drywall business in 1981, which is Patterson Drywall and Painting. Over the years he has been able to provide employment, on-the-job training and give motivation and encouragement to numerous individuals.

He joined the Greater Highway Church of Christ in Holly Springs, North Carolina and was a member there for about 11 years under the leadership of Pastor Mary J. Patterson. God saved him and filled him with the Holy Ghost in September 1992. Bishop R. F. Davis ordained him a deacon in 1993. He served diligently in this position for several years; he also served as Superintendent of the Sunday School.

God called him into the ministry, and being led of God, he and his wife Missionary Mary Patterson did a live radio broadcast at WCRY 14.60 in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina for five years from 1998 through 2003, preaching and teaching God’s word. During this time the Lord gave him a vision of building a church. Being led by the Lord, he purchased 1½ acres of land and through God’s grace and after enduring many obstacles was able to complete the vision. The church building and the opening ceremony were conducted by the Executive Chairman, Bishop R. F. Davis on March 3, 2003. Elder Patterson is the pastor of the church and was ordained an Elder in October 2004. He and his wife continue to work side by side to win souls for Christ.