James M. Pridgen

1945 - 2023

Pridgen

James M. Pridgen "Jim"

James (Jim) M. Pridgen, a well-known travel agent in Washington, DC died peacefully in his husband's arms at home on October 9, 2023 surrounded by his nephews and close friends. The cause of death was complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Jim was born on September 24, 1945, the younger of two sons of N. Frank Pridgen & Minnie Woods Pridgen. Jim grew up in Dothan AL, which was known as the peanut capital of the world. His father was a founder of Dothan's National Peanut Festival, which continues to this day. From an early age Jim demonstrated an interest in art, and studied for years with Dothan's "Attic Painters," enjoying some local renown in Dothan junior art circles. He was voted "most talented" in his class when he graduated from Dothan High School in 1963. After one year at Birmingham's Samford University, he transferred to Auburn University where he studied industrial and graphic design and was an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity. During his collegiate summers, Jim worked at a series of national parks around the country, his first experience at what would become his personal and professional passion, travel. He credited these summer jobs with exposing him to cultures outside the American south and expanding his horizons literally and figuratively. After receiving his BFA from Auburn in 1968, Jim worked as a graphic designer in advertising, first in Nashville and then for three years in New Orleans. He always considered his time in New Orleans as important formative years where he nurtured an indelible love of fine food, architecture, and historic preservation, all of which became life-long passions.

In 1973 he moved to Washington, DC where he decided to make a dramatic career change and entered the travel profession, becoming a travel agent for the next 43 years. His career as a travel agent proved ideally suited to his social personality, his early fascination with geography, and his remarkable memory for names and places. He travelled extensively around the globe (Jim estimated he had been to Europe more than 75 times) and became a well-appreciated travel consultant in Washington political, legal, media, and cultural circles, providing his distinguished clients with personalized travel experiences and his travel colleagues with experienced advice.

In 1985, he met the love of his life, attorney Arthur A Warren, who became his life-long partner and, eventually, husband. Most of their life together was spent in an historic 1914 town house in DC's Kalorama neighborhood which they restored and filled over the years with a collection of antiques and fine art. In addition to travel, one of their other passions together was attending and supporting theater, in particular Signature Theatre of Arlington VA. Jim was a long-time member of Foundry United Methodist church and was particularly appreciative of its music program, which he generously supported.

Jim was a devoted uncle to his nephews, Franklin (Amy) and Windham (Tara) Pridgen of Atlanta and took great pride in their accomplishments and those of his great nephews and nieces, Andrew, Alden, Ruthanna, Mamie Carroll, Ford, and Henry. He had the capacity for strong and deep relationships and brought great joy to his many friends with his wit and kindness and thoughtful friendship. His passion for good food, nurtured by his mother's skill and love of cooking, inspired many great dining experiences and enduring memories among his circle of friends and acquaintances.

In his last year, Jim battled ALS heroically and with incredible grace. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. His candor and bravery and continued interest in their lives allowed his many friends to surround him with love and admiration and tenderness. Jim's journey with ALS was greatly eased by the care he received from his home health aides, in particular Pedro Martinez who became his devoted and trusted companion through the difficult last months of his life.

Jim will be greatly missed. He is survived by his devoted husband, his nephews and their families, and by numerous friends.

A memorial service will be held at Foundry UMC, 1500 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20036, at 11:30 a.m. on November 18, 2023.