James Thomas Pratt, III (J.T.), 81, was called to be with The Lord on August 19, 2016. Born on April 9, 1935 in Kinston, NC, he graduated from Grainger High School, obtained B.S. degree in Biology from The Citadel, his Master degree in Public Administration from Shippensburgs University and a 2nd Master degree in Strategic Studies from the War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. J.T. first laid eyes on his wife of 58 years, Jeanne O. Pratt, when she was 14 years old and he was 16. He always said, “”I knew I was going to marry her the second I saw her.”” He started his military career as an Armor Officer with the US Army in 1960 at Ft Knox, Kentucky. Advancing through the ranks from a 2nd Lieutenant to Colonel, he served 2 tours in Vietnam, flying the Huey UH-1 and AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. His favorite assignment was when he was selected to be a member of the Cobra NETT, where he was responsible for fielding the Army’s newest attack helicopter, the AH-1G Cobra Gunship. His assignments carried him from Korea, Germany, Colorado, Alabama, Virginia, New Jersey, and many other places over his 25 year Career. J.T.’s military awards included the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Master Army Aviator Badge. After serving his nation for more than two and a half decades, he and Jeanne returned home to Kinston where he served as the Director of Public Works for 20 years, retiring in 2005. J.T. was an active member of the Kinston Noon Rotary until 2013 and was a founding member of Faith Fellowship Church where he served as co-chair of the building committee as well as an Elder in the Church. J.T. also played a key role in developing the routes for the annual Kinston prayer walk. He was an avid lover of fishing, hunting and sports and longstanding member of the East Carolina Pirates Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, James T. Pratt, Jr and Ann R. Pratt and his only son Thomas B. Pratt. He is survived by his sister, Peggy P. Taylor and his 4 daughters, Kim Jenkins and husband, Fred of Deep Run, NC, Julie Boothe and husband, Ricky of Gloucester, VA, Donna Pritchard and husband, Scott of Grimesland, NC and Beth Saville and husband Todd of Enterprise, AL. Grandchildren – Daniel Jenkins, Jeremy Boothe, Jason Boothe, Sara Pritchard, Jason Pritchard, Allyson Saville, Amber Saville and Adam Saville. Great-grandchildren – McKenzie Pritchard and Connor Boothe, and his 4 legged 9 year old best buddy Hunter. Visitation will be held Monday August 22, 2016 at Faith Fellowship Church beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday August 23, 2016 at the church followed by burial service at Pinelawn Memorial Park with military rites. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Faith Fellowship, 2278 Paul’s Path Road, Kinston, NC 28504. Funeral arrangements are with Edwards Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at Kinston.com
Posted in: Kinston NC Free Press
Posted on: 2016-08-22
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kinston/obituary.aspx?n=james-thomas-pratt&pid=181128606#sthash.GkxaG7PM.dpuf