Forty Under 40: James Patton

James Patton began his banking career as a courier for First America Savings and Loan of Fort Smith when he was only 16. nHe attended Westark Community College of Fort Smith and is a graduate of the Oklahoma State University installment lending school and commercial lending school. He is also a graduate of the national consumer credit school sponsored by the University of Oklahoma. nPatton spent almost ten years at the First National Bank of Roland (Oklahoma). He began as a financial analyst, then became a commercial and real estate lender. “That’s were I cut my teeth on lending,” he said. nHe was recruited by The Bank of Fayetteville in early 1999. He has also worked with Community Bank of North Arkansas and has been with Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas for about a year and a half. nHe has $15 million worth of loans “on the books” and has been able to bring strong commercial business to Simmons’ portfolio. nThe biggest achievement of his career is making peoples’ dreams come true, Patton said. He gets satisfaction out of helping people start a business or buy a home, he said.nPatton is active in Springdale Lions Club, the United Way and the Arkansas Banker’s Association. n