Jim L. Flegle established the J.W. Patterson Foundation in 2012 and generously gave of his time, attention and resources, serving as board chair of the Foundation for ten years.
Jim credited debate as one of the pillars of his success and believed wholeheartedly in its ability to change the trajectory of a student's life.
It was in this spirit that he founded the Patterson Foundation, seeking to make this opportunity possible for students who otherwise couldn't participate in debate due to financial constraints.
From Jim...
“I was involved with the Kentucky debate program from 1970 through 1974 as a debater. For most of those years, Dr. Patterson was Director of Debate. I was also fortunate to assist the program in later years as I attended law school and began as a commercial trial lawyer in Texas.
The intellectual rigor and competition, the academic research and analysis, and the opportunity to work with colleagues much smarter than I, all gave me the skill set to approach life’s challenges. Whether the issues were legal, or political, or social, the fundamentals taught by debate were, and are, spot on.
These benefits were enhanced by the coaching and leadership of Dr. Patterson. He was clearly able to put debate in the context of the world, to put our efforts in the context of our future lives, and to put our arguments in the context of societal good.
Dr. Patterson not only was my debate coach for those years, he was also the advisor to Student Government during my term as President. His wisdom and guidance on the art of leadership and the realities of politics were, and continue to be, invaluable.
This Foundation not only recognizes the contribution of a truly unique and selfless teacher, mentor, and coach. It also serves to continue the visions of a passionate and dedicated believer that the truth shall set us free and that the freedom to express and to discuss issues and events makes our lives ever fuller.” JIM FLEGLE
The intellectual rigor and competition, the academic research and analysis, and the opportunity to work with colleagues much smarter than I, all gave me the skill set to approach life’s challenges. Whether the issues were legal, or political, or social, the fundamentals taught by debate were, and are, spot on.
These benefits were enhanced by the coaching and leadership of Dr. Patterson. He was clearly able to put debate in the context of the world, to put our efforts in the context of our future lives, and to put our arguments in the context of societal good.
Dr. Patterson not only was my debate coach for those years, he was also the advisor to Student Government during my term as President. His wisdom and guidance on the art of leadership and the realities of politics were, and continue to be, invaluable.
This Foundation not only recognizes the contribution of a truly unique and selfless teacher, mentor, and coach. It also serves to continue the visions of a passionate and dedicated believer that the truth shall set us free and that the freedom to express and to discuss issues and events makes our lives ever fuller.”
Jeff Lankford's Tribute to Jim: HOW DO YOU MEASURE RESPECT? Is it pounds on a scale, or gallons in a bucket? My respect for Jim Flegle is measured in mountains. Big ones. Like Himalayas…. Jim was honest, modest, intelligent, hard-working, and understanding. He was great with people. He was always up to the task…. Respect also breeds affection. And I loved Jim. I am proud to say: We were friends.
Fortunately, college did not end our friendship. By happenstance, we both attended University of Virginia Law School, with Jim one year ahead of me. He and his partner won the Lyle Moot Court Competition, the most prestigious at the law school. I of course watched his semifinal and final rounds. It was Jim at his best. When I married right after law school, Jim honored me by being my best man.
Career and geography then injected separation into a once very close relationship. Over the ensuing years, our contact was intermittent. But my respect and affection for this wonderful man never abated.
Many wonderful people joined UK debate in JW Patterson’s early years. The brilliant, insightful Ben Jones. The gentle and happy Karl Merchant. The charismatic martial artist Carl Brown. The thoughtful and perceptive Howell Hopson. Among us, Jim was a shining star with all of our best qualities. His loss is a grievous one for all who knew him."
Fortunately, college did not end our friendship. By happenstance, we both attended University of Virginia Law School, with Jim one year ahead of me. He and his partner won the Lyle Moot Court Competition, the most prestigious at the law school. I of course watched his semifinal and final rounds. It was Jim at his best.
Career and geography then injected separation into a once very close relationship. Over the ensuing years, our contact was intermittent. But my respect and affection for this wonderful man never abated.
Many wonderful people joined UK debate in JW Patterson’s early years. The brilliant, insightful Ben Jones. The gentle and happy Karl Merchant. The charismatic martial artist Carl Brown. The thoughtful and perceptive Howell Hopson.
Jefferson Lankford, JDVice President at Lueur Naturelle LLC
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The J.W. Patterson Foundation, Inc. is incorporated in the state of Kentucky and is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization as described by 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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