Jay R. Patterson

1939 - September 20, 2020

Jay was born in the perfect era for his many “rock and roll” stories, the kind you only read about in books or see in movies. Although he started his journey in Tracy, Mill Valley is where he spent most of his life. And what a life! He loved the town, knew everyone, and they knew him. He was a legendary character with an innate kindness. In 1969 he began his many years in real estate by opening Old Mill Properties on East Blithedale Avenue which proved to be a hive of activity. Word has it that one of his duties there was officiating at several ‘ hippie’ street weddings!

In 1979, he was approached to buy an old bar at 153 Throckmorton Avenue, formerly known as The Office and renamed Sweetwater. Excited at the prospect of being part of the local music scene, Jay left real estate behind and, along with his wife Jeannie, bought the saloon and started on their musicfueled adventure. It became renowned in the entertainment industry as a foremost music venue for having top performers along with a congenial atmosphere. As Jay would say many times, people moved to Mill Valley to be closer to Sweetwater and the music scene. He had a front row seat to that music migration.

In 1985, Jay bowed out of Sweetwater and found his way back into real estate and new adventures, spending the next 30 years with Frank Howard Allen and finally with Coldwell Banker.

He was always a person who had many friends and never forgot any of them, even those from as far back as Tracy high School ( 1957), San Jose State ( 1961) and even his epic 6 months of basic training in the Marine Corps Reserves ( 1962). He would attend every fraternity meeting and, until very recently, take the ferry to ball games at Pac Bell Park with his old Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers from San Jose State. He remained in constant contact with everyone, providing decades of hilarious, “you can’t make that stuff up” stories. Jay’s memory was unsurpassed! Although Jay had a colorful life, he also suffered tragedy and sadness by the loss of both of his sons, Tro ( 33) and Taylor ( 30). He had followed the Buddhist faith for many years prior, but it deepened after these losses. Thankfully, he found comfort in readings and the experiences at Spirit Rock, Woodacre.

Jay is, and will always be sorely missed by us all. He is survived by his grandson, nieces and grandnieces.