James Kilpatrick

James Kilpatrick, 90, of Prattville, passed away July 17, 2021. He was born January 28, 1931, in Prattville, Alabama, to Reavie and Mae Kilpatrick. He was the youngest of four children and the last surviving member of his family. James lived his entire life in Prattville except for the time spent in the Air Force. As a young child, James attended the mission school on Fifth Street that was built specifically for the mill workers’ children. He transferred to the public school system and graduated from Autauga County High School. While in high school, James played on the varsity football team which included an undefeated season and was the first team to play at what is currently known as Stanley-Jenson stadium. James served four years in the United States Air Force as a radar technician. While stationed in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he met his future bride, Ruby, at a dance for airmen and nursing students. Ruby was then a student at Rex Hospital in Raleigh where nursing students were not allowed to be married. However, they were married without the knowledge of school officials in Dillon, South Carolina in 1952. Following his service in the Air Force, James and Ruby, moved back to Prattville where they made their home and lived the remainder of their lives. After jobs at Nehi Bottling Company and Colonial Bread, he was hired at Burford-Toothaker Tractor Company, currently known as Thompson Tractor Company. He was employed with the Caterpillar dealership for 40+ years until his retirement in 1996. James was a loving father and grandfather who was extremely involved in his children’s pursuits and activities - attending countless ball games and piano recitals. Few things brought him more happiness than watching his children do something they love. He was baptized as a child at First Baptist Church in Prattville and was a faithful member his entire life. He served as a children’s Sunday School teacher, deacon, and choir member. Even to the very end of his life, he was committed to attending Jimmy Sanford’s Sunday School class as often as he could. When he was no longer able to attend services in person, he learned to stream church services on his Iphone. He was a lover of God’s Word and was faithful to read Scripture daily and pray with family members. James loved his hometown of Prattville. One of his favorite things to do was to talk about his family’s history in Prattville and reminisce of old times. As an elected city councilman in the 1960s, he was able to serve the community he loved. He also loved listening to and singing gospel music - a legacy that has been passed down in his family from one generation to the next.

James will be remembered for his sweet smile, gentle spirit and unconditional love for everyone.

He is survived by his daughters Debbie (Allen) Mills, Linda (Richard) Harrison, and Jim (Courtney) Kilpatrick; 8 grandchildren, & 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am Wednesday, July 21st at First Baptist Church followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 am. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers which include Jordan Kilpatrick, Ryan Harrison, Joshua Harrison, Sean Harrison, Rob McKay, and Cory Luckie.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude for the loving care provided by the staff of Merry Wood Lodge and 1-South at Baptist Medical Center East.