James William Pritchard

So sad that the world has lost such a kind and caring soul. Mr. Pritchard's friendship meant the world to my Dad and I'm happy they are together now. Mr. Pritchard taught me to ski, was my guidance counselor, an encourager, and was a dear friend to our entire family. He put others at ease with his gentle presence and I'm sure he will be rewarded for a life well lived!

....another life touched and inspired by a great band director and an amazingly insightful and caring man! --

Mr. Pritchard will always be in my heart and memory. I was in Rule High Band his first year there and was lucky to have spent those years under his guidance, help and friendship. All the extra hours he spent with our group of rowdy band guys doing life, had a great impact on all of us. Boating, skiing at Norris Lake, bowling, Ice skating, and yes, Basketball at midnight lots of times. He was a gentle man showing and bunch of Rule High tough guys how to live a better life. Always there when you needed to talk out a problem. Jim Pritchard was always more than my teacher... he was a great example, he was a good counselor, and a true friend. His impact on my life and so many others, will continue for years to come.I'm now teaching things to my children and grandchildren that were shaped in my life, by Jim Pritchard. I was blessed to have known him. A gentle man in every respect, but, at the same time, this was a very strong man. He was a great man, and a great friend. To the Pritchard family, please know that I pray for God's peace and comfort for you in the coming days.

I met Jim when I worked at Northwest Middle. He was a wonderful educator who truly cared for the students. Those who knew him were blessed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Jim Pritchard was my Band Director at Rule High School until I graduated in 1968. Under his leadership, the RHS Band earned several Number 1 ratings at area band competitions. He was a caring , passionate man who really made a difference in the lives of his students.

I am reminded of the time we were doing our half-time show at Powell High School when we finished our first song in a perfect company front on the eighteenth yard line (we were supposed to be on the twenty yard line). Mr. Pritchard came running onto the field waving his arms and said "Stop! Go back and start over." We were totally embarrassed, humiliated and even angry at the time, but we all trudged back to the starting goal line and started over. Guess what? We ended the first song the next time exactly on the twenty yard line. He expected us to each give our best and would accept nothing less.

Thank you Jim Pritchard for your friendship and your influence in my life, I will never forget.

Jim was a person who made a difference in people's lives. He gave the greatest gift of all to many of us in the band at Rule he gave us something far more valuable than money his time, energy and guidance. We all lost a great friend. Rest in peace.

I worked with Jim at Northwest Middle School He was a wonderful caring person and the students were very fortunate to have him for guidance

Mr. Pritchard was one of the great influences in my life. He was always more than my band director. My fellow band members at Rule formed a bond that has met the test of time....thanks to Mr. Pritchard. ..

The only thing that comes to mind is Mr.Holands Opus. I and Roger and Berlin and Phillip and Gary and Malcolm and Alan and Jean and hundreds of other kids were the notes and the rythms of Jim Pritchards greatest work. I loved him.

I was so sorry to read of Jim's death. I remember him from when he sang Barbershop with my husband, Alex Williams. He brought his first adopted son to Luke and Vivian Henley's house to a picnic that the Barbershoppers were having. I'm so sorry I won't be at the funeral. I don't drive, and I don't have anyone who can bring me on Friday.

Jim was my band director from 4th grade through high school at Rule. He had a big influence on my life as he did so many others. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jim was our guidance counselor at Northwest Jr. He took a few of us under his wing and introduced us to boating on Norris Lake. Years later I said he owed me a bundle for all of the money I've spent on boats. Totally his fault, and I couldn't be more grateful. A good man that did so much for me and lots of other kids. Rest in peace, my friend.

Jim Pritchard was one of the biggest influences on my life from fourth grade to graduation from high school. Jim was a mentor, a teacher, a neighbor, and friend.Jim made the world a better place for thousands of young people.Rest in Peace.

I met Jim when he and his family moved to Oak Ridge. We were both in sixth grade. From that point on we were best friends thru high school. He had such a wonderful voice that carol and I ask him to sing at our wedding. The three of us used to waterski on Norris every Saturday. Later he would attend UT football games with us and join us for dinner at Littons after the game. We have lost a dear friend and will miss him dearly.

Mr. Pritchard was my band director at Rule from 1962-1967. One of the best school friends my brother and I and all the band members could have while there. Will surely be missed by many. Rest In Peace, James.

Mr Pritchard was the Rule High School Band Director when I attended Rule from 1968 to 1973. He was always a very supportive teacher and mentor to hs students. His influence on my life follows me evn today, some 40 years after graduating. My prayers for his family and friends. They don't make them like JP anymore. Berlain Hatfield

Mr. Pritchard was my band director at Rule HS from 1963-68. He was the best director any student could ask for & encouraged all of us to work hard & do our very best. The band members, parents & Mr. Pritchard were a family & we worked hard under Mr. Pritchard's leadership. God bless his family at this difficult time. Prayers will be lifted up for Mr. Pritchard & his family.

Very sad to hear about Mr. Pritchard's death. I remembered him as
a counselor at Northwest Jr. High and I was in his office few times
during my stay @ Northwest . I had the chance to know him again years later . I know he is in a better place and he awaits his family one day . Edward Burke , Cosby, Tn

Jim, we love you heart and soul! Rest in peace our friend. Rusty and Shelby Kelley

Can never be replaced.

Such a sweet soul! May you fly high and rest in peace!

Remember Jim Pritchard from my days at Northwest Middle School. I remember him being a very kind and fair man, always ready to listen. My step father also knew him from Rule High School. He mentored several generations of Knoxville area kids and we are all better for knowing him

Jim Pritchard was an amazingly gifted man who chose to live his life in a manner that shared those gifts with one and all. He took so many of us under his wing and counseled us wisely as we grew. His door was always open as was his heart. There was never a gentler, caring and thoughtful person. To the family, please accept my condolences and to his friends, let us all be thankful we were blessed to know Jim Pritchard. Rest in peace, Jim, you've earned it.