James Pratt Obituary

Name: Memorial service for James Pratt
Start: 2014-03-22T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-03-22T02:00:00.000Z
Location: 630 East 100 South

James (Jim) Franklin Pratt
1943 ~ 2014
James (Jim) Franklin Pratt was born January 22, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA and passed away at age 71 on March 15, 2014 in Duchesne, UT.
He grew up in Salt Lake City, UT where he attended South High and graduated as valedictorian. He served an LDS mission to Tahiti, afterwards earning a degree in Physics at the U of U. Jim was a lifelong bodybuilder and polymath. He could build anything. He was a published illustrator who enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. His scientific mind led him to work on the successful Surveyor 7 unmanned lunar mission straight out of college.
Jim's career included building homes, designing dry cleaners, trading on the stock market, and developing business models for emerging markets, all while serving in nearly every calling in his church. He spoke English, German, Russian, Tahitian, and French. There was pretty much nothing Jim couldn't do, including hiding Easter baskets in ways that made them completely indiscoverable.
Jim married Helga in 1969. They had five children: Michael, Steven, Robert, David, and Sheralyn, all of whom survive him, including Helga and his only brother, John. In later years Jim moved to Park City to care for his mother, Kathryn. He then moved out to Duchesne, UT to live more simply and mentor people on how to build economical and efficient homes. As a rule, his ideas were 10 years ahead of the market, so look out for his designs to be all the rage in 2024. In the meantime, those who knew Jim will miss his counsel and constantly listening ear whenever you called him on "the late shift."
Memorial: Friday, 6-8 pm, funeral Saturday: 11 am at 630 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the James Franklin Pratt Memorial Fund through Wells Fargo or : http://www.donationto.com/James-Franklin-Pratt-Memorial-Fund

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Mar. 20 to Mar. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Pratt

9 Entries

Corey B

March 28, 2014

I had the pleasure of taking care of Jim's sweet mother, Kathryn and was always welcomed warmly by Jim. I especially remember his wonderful bread and he would make it for us often!!! It was the best!! My thoughts are with your family at this time.

Randall Brusch

March 23, 2014

I just quoted James Pratt in a testimony that I bore in testimony meeting this month. I realize that his teachings have stayed with me my entire life. I was preparing to serve a full time mission in 1975. I was the Priest Group Leader at the time, and he was my Bishop. My sympathy to the family. From Randy Brusch

Bruce Dearden

March 22, 2014

I knew Jim during his Park City sojourn. I served as Bishop to Jim and Kathryn during her final years and considered him a fine mine. He was a perfect example of a devoted and caring son. Jim gave me much wise counsel. He was a blessing to my family, particularly to my daughter Emilie and her then new husband, Lars. We will miss Jim but trust that rich blessings and happy reunions are his joy now.

March 21, 2014

My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.

Zach Smith

March 20, 2014

My deepest condolences to you Robert and the rest of your family. I know it can't be easy but rejoice in the fact that your dad is with our Lord and Savior Jesus. Who knows maybe your Dad is lifting weights with Larry Scott!

Mike Cottam

March 20, 2014

I lived not far from the Pratt's home near 9th east and 27th South in SLC. My brothers and I would often visit Jim and John to explore melting ice cubes, string theory as associated with soup cans and telecommunications, Abraham and astro-exploration and many other wonderful adventures. What a great mind and what a wonderful family. My life is changed for good because of Jim.

Julie Hepworth

March 20, 2014

Uncle Jim always had a hug and a compliment for me. When I was young, I remember going over to the "other Pratt home" and having fun holiday memories. One Thanksgiving, he took us out in his cool black car to the movies and I enjoyed talking with him and everyone just being together. Thank you Uncle Jim for being such a great support and a steady hand to my father. You have a great heart. Love, your niece, Julie
p.s. Every time I eat my Quaker Oats I think of you when I see the smiling and jovial Mr.Quaker on the container. :)

Ken Cromar

March 20, 2014

I only came to know Jim in recent years, through my association with his brother, my valued friend John.

I thoroughly enjoyed my periodic chats with this highly intelligent, thoughtful, gentle and kind man over the phone and in his amazingly comfortable "$20,000 home" - a construction marvel.

The love and respectful between these two brothers has been exemplary. Watching their ever-optimistic interactions was always a delight. Theirs remains a singular relationship!

I had hoped to drive out there again to see John & Jim in the near future. Now, I can only wish I had done so sooner. Jim will be missed, but never forgotten.

I too look forward to "THE reunion" on the other side with Jim and so many others -- all of which Jim would agree was made possible by our beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

With Great Love and Admiration,

Clover Marks

March 20, 2014

Jim was a very special man in my life. I know I would not be a member of the church today if it were not for him. Some thirty odd years ago I worked for him at IPK Corp. He was such a man of integrity that it got my attention. I had a very deep respect for him. We had many talks about spiritual things. One evening he called my home and told me he felt impressed to have me read a section in the Book of Mormon. That request led to a very powerful conversion experience for me. Through out the years Jim and I have stayed in touch. I will so miss him not being out there. He has always been such a special man in my life. We enjoyed many spiritual conversations throughout the years but he has now graduated and will go on to better things.

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