James "Jim" Vinson Pritchert
James "Jim" Vinson Pritchert, 73, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away on May 23, 2024, in Richmond, VA.
Jim was born on April 27, 1951, and raised on the east coast of the US. Education was incredibly important to him, and he continued to pursue his education throughout his lifetime. Jim began a 20 year career in the United States Army, serving both overseas and stateside. While serving, Jim attended Fayetteville State University and Campbell University, earning multiple advanced degrees. After honorably retiring from the Army, Jim continued to advance his career through various government agencies, retiring from the National Transportation Safety Board at the end of 2019.
Jim had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He enjoyed photography, particularly of food and family, traveling, and crafting groan-worthy puns. He was always up for a new adventure and very much enjoyed spending quality time with friends and family.
Following the loss of his first wife, Jim had an opportunity for a second chance at love and happiness and married the love of his life, Sherry (Moses) Pritchert on September 13, 2020. Together, they resided in Fredericksburg and had plans to travel the world together.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Sherry Pritchert; daughter, Pamela Pritchert; grandchildren from his late daughter, Amanda Burdette: Matthew Pritchert and Parker Burdette (Radiance); bonus children, Brittany Layne (Michael), Justin Kauffman (Tammy), and Ian Thomas (Diana); and many bonus grandchildren, Oktober, Gage, Ashton, Finn, Aslan, Amberleigh, Brooklynn, Jayden, James, Ellie, Vincent, Porter, Harvey, and Savannah. Jim is also survived by his father, Jack Branthover (Linda); father-in-law, Sheldon Kauffman; sisters, Juliann Caruso (Phillip) and Jennifer Lyzak (Russell); nieces and nephews, Steven, Jason, Stephanie, Austin (April), Trevor, Laine, and Kacie; and great-niece, Kali.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances; daughter, Amanda Burdette; mother, Patricia Branthover; brother-in-law, Stephen Kauffman; and 17 year old grandson, Nicholas Layne, whom he referred to as "The Nickster".
Jim lived an incredible and full life full of family, friends, adventure, and mostly, love. His boisterous laugh, smile, and the light he brought to this world will be missed but loved and cherished by those who knew him for all the years to come. Rest easy and we'll see you again.
Family and friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 6 at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Quantico National Cemetery.
Jim had a deep appreciation for the veteran-founded Black Rifle Coffee Company and supporting veterans and first responders, through Black Rifle's mission.
As Jim spent his final days at VCU medical center, Sherry, when not at his bedside, stayed at The Doorways. The Doorways acts as a home away from home for those who have undergone a medical procedure that requires long-term transitional care and the loved ones that care for them. The Doorways played a significant role for both Jim and Sherry this year while frequenting medical appointments. Donations will go to aid in continued support of The Doorways and the incredible service they provide during a patient's transition from hospital to home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made via CashApp to $SherryPritchert and will be dispersed between the Black Rifle Coffee Company and The Doorways on Jim's behalf.
Online guest book is available at
covenantfuneralservice.com.
Published by The Free Lance - Star on Jun. 2, 2024.