Jim Patterson taught in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools for 36 years.
Most of that time was at Coolidge Elementary on the westside of Cedar
Rapids. In 1986, Jim was the first recipient of the Iowa Elementary
Physical Education Teacher of the year Award. Besides teaching PE, Jim
coached a variety of sports while in the Cedar Rapids School District and is
also an athletic official in both football and track. In 2002 he was
inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Officials Hall of Fame.
Jim created the Iowa Skipper Team in 1989. Jim did Jump Rope for Heart for
over 20 years. Under the direction of Hal Garwood and Jim Patterson the
Skippers have performed at many athletic events and school assemblies in
Iowa. Performances include University of Iowa , Iowa State University,
Northern Iowa University, Jefferson and Kennedy High Schools, Parades, Civic
Groups and two performances at the Girls State Tournament with the final one
being the 4A Sate Championship Game on state wide Television.