Ozarks Profile: Jim Patton

What is your job?

Jim Patton is co-owner and marketing manager of American Business Systems, 416 S. Jefferson.

Tell us about your company.

American Business Systems was started in 1952 by Bervil and Betty Ivy selling and servicing 3M Thermo Fax copy machines. "I went to work for Bervil in 1967 and in 1983 Gary Baltz, Keith Kelley and I bought the company," he said. "With offices in Springfield and Joplin ABS now sells and services Lanier copiers and Sharp and Lanier faxes. We do business in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma."

Please tell us about winning the Missouri Amateur Championship.

Patton won the state amateur title in 1966 at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin. "Probably the only thing of interest to other people is that Payne Stewart caddied for his dad when we played in the final," he said.

How long have you been playing golf, and how often do you play?

"I started playing at about age 13 on a sand green golf course in Lebanon," Patton said. "I still play or practice two or three times a week."

What has golf meant in your life?

"It has given me the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful people," Patton said. "When I think back on the places I have played, it is always the people I met that I remember most."

What is your home course and what do you like about it?

"Twin Oaks Country Club is my home course," Patton said. "It's a good challenge for the better player but can also be enjoyed by everyone. Tom Watson and Donnie Walsworth won Missouri Amateur Championships there. The Missouri Amateur will be played at Twin Oaks next summer."

Has golf changed in your lifetime, and if so, how?

Patton said that golf equipment has changed considerably and so have the courses. "Clubs are easier to use, the ball goes farther, the courses are in much better condition," he said. "But recently I read that the average handicap has come down by only one in the last 20 years, so I guess the more it changes, the more it stays the same."

Where do you think golf is going with course and equipment design?

"It seems like today they are seeing how hard they can make courses, I guess because of the equipment. But I have the idea this will pass and they will go to building more courses everyone can play and enjoy." As for new equipment, Patton said, "It seems like they are seeing how ugly they can make it and how much we will pay for it. About the only way I know how to play better is to take lessons and practice."

How do you like to spend your leisure time?

"Obviously golf is my hobby," Patton said. "As far as leisure time goes, Peggy and I have eight grandchildren. Five live in Springfield and three in Dallas, so we get to see them fairly regularly. They are all a joy."

by Frank Shipe