James "Jim" H. Pritchard

James H. Pritchard died peacefully on December 2, 2024, at the age of 99 at Shawnee Mission Advent Health.

Jim was born on August 25, 1925, in Ottawa, KS, to Paul Calvin Pritchard and Lucy Edna Hazen. He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18, serving honorably in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was assigned to the 5th Marine Division, 28th Regiment, and 1st Battalion. He was recalled into service during the Korean War.

On October 19, 1946 he married Estella DeWald of Ottawa, Kansas who preceded him in death in 2003.Together they raised 3 three children. Jim remarried in 2005 to Evaline M. Campbell Hazen who preceded him in death in 2016.

Jim worked as a construction supervisor with the Kansas Gas Service Company for 41 years retiring in 1988 in Osawatomie, KS. Jim was a member of the First Christian Church, International Lions Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 3712 of Paola and the Osawatomie Lodge 921 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and square dancing. He served on the Osawatomie, KS. City Council for 7 years. 

Jim was also a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather, his love for his family was unwavering. He took great joy in spending time with his grandchildren, sharing stories, wisdom, and life lessons that will live on for generations. His gentle nature, quick wit, and ever-present smile made him a source of warmth and comfort for his family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his son Robert; his parents Paul and Lucy Pritchard; brothers Bill and Phil; sisters Ruth Eichman, Alice Valentine, and Esther Lantis. He is survived by his children: Jim (Theresa) and daughter Delia; daughter-in-law Patricia; his grandchildren Christopher (Kristin), Adam (Chris), and Alisha; great grandchildren, Aiden Young and Cooper Pritchard, sister-in-law Dorothy Pritchard; step-sons Ron (Diane) and Ryan (Ruth) Hazen; step-grandsons Will and Matt Hazen and numerous extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Vintage Park, Advent Health Ottawa, and Advent Health Shawnee Mission for their exceptional care and kindness.

The funeral will be held on December 14, 2024 at the First Christian Church, Ottawa, KS. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 am followed by the funeral service at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at the Osawatomie Cemetery at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim’s honor to the First Christian Church in Ottawa, KS.

To share your memories of Jim or to send a special condolence message to his family, please visit the guestbook below.