James was the son of James Kerr and Irene Pratt. He was born May 27, 1925. He grew up attending Ensley Baptist Church and was currently a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. James attended Ensley High School where he excelled in football and track. He attended Howard College and Sewanee - The University of the South, where he played football and track. He later graduated from Auburn University. James was a member of Sigma NU fraternity. He truly valued his lifelong friendships made during his business career. He was employed by Universal Atlas Cement Company, which is a division of U.S. Steel, where he was the Sales Manager. He was also employed by Leigh Cement Company and Southern Cement Company.
James was the president of the Birmingham Football Officials Association in 1956. He was a 20 year member of the Southeast Conference Football Officials Association. James was an U.S. Army Air Corp Veteran where he served in WWII. He was a great husband and father who will be truly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edwina W. Pratt; brother, George Walker Pratt and his parents, James and Irene Pratt. He is survived by his sons, Dawson Pratt (Pam) and David Pratt; grandsons, Erick Pratt (Tammy) and Ryan Pratt (Tara); granddaughters, Kristen Pratt and Kimball Cassady (Linc); great grandsons, Brooks Pratt, Jake Pratt, Cooper Cronin, Rucker Cassady, Wade Pratt; great granddaughter, Ella Pratt; nephews, Penny Whiteside (Sarah) and Ton Whiteside and niece, Rochelle Whiteside.
Family will receive friends Wednesday May 16, 2018 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Ridout's Elmwood Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery.
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