More detail on this person: Col (USA Ret)
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.
Burial: Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston, Lenoir
County, North Carolina, USA
This information was last updated 08/22/2016
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