Jesse James Pruitt

Jesse James Pruitt (aka JJ), 94, of Humble, TX, passed away on March 23rd, 2024. He was born in Sagerton, TX on November 29, 1929 to Bland and Nannie Pruitt. He was married to Dolores Francis on December 6, 1953 in Houston, Texas.

After two years in the Army, JJ served in the City of Houston Fire Department for 23 years reaching the position of District Chief. In 1974, he was appointed the first Harris County Fire Marshal where he served until his official retirement in 1999.

He was a member of the AFL-CIO and served on the Houston Professional Firefighters Association, Local 341 rising from a member to President of the union. He was also a member of the Huffman Masonic Lodge. He had a passion for genealogy, storytelling, and social justice.

Most people who knew him did not realize that he was a romantic at heart. He fell in love with his wife Dolores when he first saw her at the school bus stop and their love spanned 70 years. He also loved his family and his favorite moments were when they were all gathered together around the dinner table.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Estelle Byrd, sister Helen Miller, brother Bland Pruitt, Jr., and sister Anita Hall.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dolores Francis Pruitt, and his children Mike Pruitt and his wife Angela, Sharon Shipstead and her husband Jim, and Darla J. Pruitt; grandchildren Patrick Pruitt and his wife Kandice and Hillary Pruitt; great-grandchildren Renee and Drew Pruitt; siblings Nelda Giles and Dan Pruitt and his wife, Kay; and numerous other family members.

A graveside service for Jesse will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039.

Jesse will be laid to rest in Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039.