James Pretlow

James Edward Pretlow Dec. 17, 1938 - July 26, 2010 Resident of Berkeley, CA James Edward Pretlow, a Bay Area resident for more than 40 years, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 26th at his home in Berkeley, CA. Born on Dec. 17, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA, Jim graduated from Dobins High School and thereafter entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 13½years. He married Dannie Schultz in 1958. Following the service, Jim pursued a career in banking, working for First Enterprise Bank, Wells Fargo, Primus and retiring from Ford Motor Credit. Along the way, Jim spent 4 years traveling on tour with the R&B group, the Whispers. He touched many people, from all walks of life, over the past seventy one years. In 1986, he married his wife, Mary. Jim and Mary enjoyed extensive traveling. Jim loved Corvettes and was a former member of Diablo Valley Corvettes. He was a sports enthusiast and collected die-cast cars. Jim was also a member of the Bellevue Club where he was a popular participant of the Aqua Class. Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Edward Pretlow and Hermine Pretlow and by his twin sons, Daryl and Derek. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Mary, of 24 years; his son, Duane Pretlow of San Jose; a daughter, Donna Williams, of Elk Grove, CA; brothers Kenneth of Erial, New Jersey and Nathaniel of Marietta, GA; a sister, Eileen Branch of Philadelphia, and numerous nieces and nephews. At his request, a private memorial service will be held. Donations can be made in Jim's name to the American Cancer Society, or to the charity of one's choice.