James Irving "Tinks" Pratt, 77, of Ridge after a long battle with leukemia died April 24, 2009 at his residence with his family around him.

Born May 24, 1931, in Ridge, he was the son of the late George William and Hattie Elizabeth Nauman Pratt.

He was the husband of Audrey Cullison Pratt, whom he married on July 19, 1958 at St Michael's RCC in Ridge. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in July 2008.

He is survived by his loving wife and siblings, Hattie Dunbar of Scotland, Lorrine "Jimmie" Simms and her husband George of Culver City, CA, his brother Robert Pratt of Clifton, VA, his sisters Mary Thelma "Snooky" and her husband James Raley and Salinda Mae Carroll of Ridge. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Alice Trossbach and three brothers Bill, Mark and Ed Pratt.

After high school he served in the US Army from April 8, 1951 to March 27, 1954. Upon returning home he joined The American Legion Ridge Post 255 becoming an active member. After serving three terms as Post Commander the post awarded him a life membership and Legionnaire of Year in 1997 and 2001.

He retired from the Patuxent River NAS Fire Department in 1981 and together with family and friends restored the Pratt family home place, a 1798 manor home listed on the National Register as Bard's Field.

The family received friends at Trinity Episcopal Church in St Mary's City on Sunday afternoon April 26th from 4 to 8 PM with prayers at 7. The funeral held at 11 AM on Monday April 27th with Rev. John Ball presiding and his niece Kim Norris, organist. Pallbearers are his nephews Ned Pratt, Steve Pratt, Eddie Pratt, Jimmy Pratt, Francis Raley, Timmy Raley, Billy Raley, Joe Carroll and Blaine Tilton. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Mary's Parish "Chapel Roof Fund", P.O. Box 207, St Mary's City, MD 20686 or the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680.

Arrangements were made by Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD.