James L. Pratt, Sr.

James L. Pratt, Sr.     “beloved husband, father and grandfather”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---James L. “Jim” Pratt, Sr., 64, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Bolivar, NY, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2017 in Noyes Hospital, Dansville, NY, after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Born on May 28, 1953 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Charles and Lorena Ford Pratt, Sr.  On November 6, 1981 in Coudersport, he married Teresa L. “Terry” Miller, who survives.

Jim was a graduate of Eldred High School.  He was employed at the former Faulkner Fruit Market in Ceres, NY, by Blue Bird Bus Lines in Olean, and for 29 years Jim was the director of the Portville Central School bus system.  He was also the owner/operator of the former Ceres Auto Repair.

Jim was a social member of the Brockton (NY) American Legion.  He loved to fish and cherished his yearly trip to Black Lake, NY.  His greatest love was his family and his beloved dog, Rascal.

Surviving besides his wife are six children, Sheila L. Spears of Olean, NY, Tami R. (Matthew) Peters of Olean, NY, Wendy (Jeff Baldwin) Gilliland of Bolivar, NY, Douglas A. Hardes of Portville, NY, Carla A. Pratt of Rochester, NY, and James L. “Jimbo” (Tina) Pratt, Jr. of Bolivar, NY; eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Linda (Mike) Lewis of Smethport, Judy (Jerry) Walters of Hope Mills, NC, and Debra Moyer of Olean, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his second mother, Agnes Pratt, Jim was predeceased by a son, Kenneth Smith, Jr.; a daughter, Laurie Beth Pratt; and two brothers, Charles Pratt, Jr. and Joseph Pratt.

Friends may call from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm on Wednesday at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 29, 2017 with the Revs. Robert M. and Sandra D. Howles, pastors of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, 219 Bryant Street, Buffalo, NY 14222.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Jim, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com