James Michael Pratt (Mike) was born on December 23, 1954. Mike was on the wrestling team for Study Junior High and Central High School. Mike graduated from Central High School in 1973.

Shortly after graduation, Mike joined the Navy. He was stationed in San Diego and served aboard an ammunition ship the U.S.S. Pyro, and later would serve on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Nimitz. Mike served in the Navy from 1973 to 1976. During his time aboard ship, Mike’s favorite thing to do was to sit out on the decks at night and watch the aircraft take off. Staring off at the water, engaged in deep conversation with one of his closest buddies on board, was where Mike developed his relationship with God.

Mike would later meet Dana Altis. After their first date, which some would later say was love at first sight of strawberries, their love continued to grow. They married on September 21, 1979, and remained married for 45 years until he passed. Mike and Dana had two daughters, Rhonda and Megan, whom he loved dearly and was very proud of; one grandson, almost as ornery as he; two granddaughters; and two sons-in-law. Mike leaves behind many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, a plethora of cousins, brothers and sisters in Christ, and many, many friends who were more like family. To quote one especially close cousin, he was a mentor,  but felt more like a big brother. 

Starting early in his life, Mike’s hard work and determined personality allowed him to overcome and grow from challenges and adversity. The strength and wisdom that came from those experiences were imparted to his daughters. Mike lived by example for those who considered him a mentor, a brother, or a friend, and those life lessons will live on through them.

Family was always important to Mike, whom he loved dearly and remained fiercely devoted to and protective of. His unselfish love toward those lucky enough to have known him was a defining trait. 

Among his other defining traits was his uncanny ability to avoid smiling at or hiding his face from any camera. His infectious laughter, however, could be heard in each of these pictures. On the rare occasion his smile was caught on camera, so were the smiles of everyone around him. 

In his spare time, Mike liked to fish. The only thing bigger than the fish he caught were the fish stories he told. He also developed an interest in photography, often taking pictures alongside his son-in-law Estel. He found the most enjoyment in taking pictures of his grandson Estel, silly antics with family, and showcasing God’s many blessings in nature. 

 Mike had long been active in churches and had a great passion for sharing God’s love and fellowship. In later years, he became an ordained minister and enjoyed being in front of people giving sermons. Mike hoped to guide others to find the same love, comfort, and peace he found in religion.

As a veteran, Mike had the privilege of participating in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C, accompanied by his youngest daughter, Megan. It was through this experience that Mike was able to find a sense of community and belonging with his fellow veterans. Those closest to Mike saw the visible change in demeanor, sense of pride, and closure that Honor Flight was designed to provide veterans. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the people he met in the process, meant the world to Mike. 

Mike Pratt was an honorable, deeply loved, well-respected man who will be greatly missed and whose absence will be felt by all who loved him.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home South.