Obituary of James F Pratt

James Franklin Pratt ,The eldest of nine children, began his life’s journey on March 10, 1946 in Anson County, North Carolina. God realized that James had served, his purpose on earth. His work here was done and it was time for him to rest from his labor. God in His infinite love, dispatched his angels on Friday evening September 18, 2020 to quietly & peacefully usher James on home. There his father, Preston Pratt; his brothers, Walter Pratt and Archie Pratt; his cousins, Lee Jr. Teal and Lester (Tap); and his close friend Mule awaited his arrival. James was affectionately known as Mookie Boy to his family & friedns . He was educated in the Camden City School System. Earlier in life, he would attend Mt. Zion Baptist in Camden, New Jersey with his mother Bernice Pratt, who served faithfully on several committees. Watching & observing the display of Christ in her life, compelled him to ask the question– What must I do to be saved? He found the answer & accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He joined in fellowship with Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Walter Moorer & was baptized. Mookie Boy wasn't just an ordinary individual; he was extraordinary. Stepping up & becoming the man of the house at an early age, he took on the responsibilities of caring for, providing, & protecting his mother & siblings in his father’s absence. Determined to provide them with a better life, he was taught to lay brick & blocks by his cousin Tap. Mookie Boy was a hard worker & loved the construction industry. He had several employers during his 50 plus years in the industry prior to his retirement from Ron’s Masonry in Woodlynne, NJ. Mookie Boy was smooth, mild mannered, loving individual, who provided a pleasant environment for his children, family, and friends to feel secured & loved. He was humble & full of integrity taking great pleasure in listening to and helping others. He enjoyed cutting grass & doing small repairs throughout the neighborhood. His greatest joy was spending time socializing with his children, grandchildren, family & friends. He had a special bond with his cousin Laura Hammond, whom he cherished & spoke with daily. Mookie Boy leaves to cherish fond memories: His devoted mother, Bernice Pratt; His children: James Brown, Bernadette Williams, Renee Bryant, and James Walker. His extended children, whom he loved as his own, Montika (Hanah) Houston, Patricia Williams, Tyrone Lowe & Veronica Walker; 23 Grandchildren; His siblings: Daisy Bynum, James T. Pratt, Annie Mae Pratt, Ronnie Pratt, Michael (Nasir) Pratt, and Shawn Pratt; a dear & special cousin: Laura Hammond; a close friend, Johnny Frank Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Family