JAMES W. PRATT, MONTICELLO – James W. Pratt, 58, passed away after a short illness on January 9, 2018, at The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle. Jim was born on December 24, 1959, in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of Raymond and Arlena (Perry) Pratt.
Jim and his family moved to Monticello in his teenage years. He later graduated from Houlton High School, class of 1978. After graduation Jim returned to Rhode Island and became an ASE Master mechanic. Together with his friend Bob Wilson they opened Sairlawn Transmission. Jim later returned to the county to care for his father and carry on the Pratt farm. For the past 17 years Jim worked for Customs Border Protection, where he was proud to be the fleet manager for the entire state of Maine. Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at camp. His greatest goal in life was to shoot a deer bigger than his best friend Rickie Wotton (which he never accomplished).
He was predeceased by his parents. Jim is survived by one brother, Raymond Pratt and his wife, Lori, of Cranston, Rhode Island; a very special longtime friend, Karen Taylor; stepson, John Billings and his wife Amy, stepdaughter, Destini Bates and her husband, Marty. Jim was thrilled to earn the title of “Papa Jimmy” from his four grandchildren, Kamden and Kaci “May” Bates and Taylor and Paige Billings, all of Presque Isle. He is also survived by his two best friends, Rickie Wotton and Bob Wilson, and his four-legged pal, Hunter.
Graveside services will be held on June 2, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Jewell Cemetery in Monticello, Maine, with the Rev. Christie Corey officiating. Arrangements are in care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at: www.dunnfuneral.com
