James Patrick (“Pat”) Tatum

James Patrick “Pat” Tatum, 88, of Terre Haute, passed away Friday, October, 9, 2026 in Terre Haute. He was born July 6, 1938, in Dallas, Texas, to H. H. Tatum and Katherine B. Tatum.

Pat grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1957. He earned an A.B. degree in chemistry at Rice University in 1961, and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at Florida State University in 1966. After a 2-year postdoctoral appointment at the University of Illinois in Urbana, he joined the Chemistry Department at Indiana State University in the fall of 1968 where he became a full professor. He retired from ISU in 2001.

Pat loved classical music, opera, ballet, and plants. He was a life member of the American Rhododendron Society, the Holly Society of America, and the Rhododendron Species Foundation. He loved life and he enjoyed it fully as evidenced by, among other things, his very hearty and always genuine laugh.

Survivors include 1 brother, 1 sister-in-law, 1 niece 3 nephews and the many people who enjoyed Pat’s friendship.

At Pat’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Following cremation, interment will take place privately next to his mother’s grave in Tulsa.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the charity of their choice, or to any of the plant organizations with which Pat was associated.