James "Jim" Ervin Pratt

James “Jim” Ervin Pratt went to join his beloved wife of 60 years in Heaven on May 18th, 2021, his 82nd birthday, with family by his side through his final breath. Dad was born May 18th, 1939 in Fort Riley, KS to Irvan & Esther May Pratt. Esther later married John Phillip Rynearson and his siblings Joan, John and Sherry completed the family. He went by the Rynearson name until joining the Army, when he had to switch to James Pratt. Dad was an adventurous young man and found mischief whenever and wherever possible. He and some buddies once turned the Mayor of Buhl’s car upside down in his yard just for kicks. Dad was a rare breed and had a work ethic like no other. As a teenager, he decided to leave school and lied about his age in order the join the Army. He was chosen by his sergeant to drive his family around Germany for the two years he served. He really enjoyed his time in the service and talked about it often. After his honorable discharge, he married his high school sweetheart, Gayle “Darlene” Kelso and they started a family right away. Their son, Danny was born in March of 1959. Dad moved his small family to Seattle to work for his uncles at Tri-M Steel as an Iron Worker. He worked on the Seattle Space Needle and other jobs before moving to Reno, NV, where their daughters, Robyn and Tawni, joined the family in 1963 and 1965 respectively. Dad was a member of the Ironworkers Local Union #118 and was a foreman for Martin Iron Works for several years. He was so proud of the fact that he worked on many buildings, and the majority of casino’s in Reno and surrounding areas. He became highly regarded at his trade and many local icons in Reno commissioned his services to move their bronze statues and jet boats over the top of their homes and into Lake Tahoe with a crane. We were fortunate enough to spend Dad’s 80th Birthday with him while visiting his life-long friends in Reno and reminiscing about the good 0le’ days. It was a special trip that will be treasured forever by us kids. Our family then moved back to Twin Falls, ID to start Valley Steel Erectors from 1977-1982. He then bought a truck and started long-haul driving. He worked for many local truck companies over the years before retiring. Dad enjoyed life to the fullest and was always telling stories, clear up to the day he died. He was a strong man that taught his children the value of a job well-done and was happiest on the back of one of his many horses he had over the years. He used to round-up wild mustangs to break and sell. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, motorcycle riding and racing, cowboying, rodeos, snowmobiling and was a very lucky gambler. He and Mom were fortunate enough to winter in Arizona for many years before their health caused them to sell their motorhome and settle back in Twin Falls. Dad cherished his time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would turn into a marshmallow around his them (and all animals) and was excited to be welcoming his first great-great grandchild this December. The family would like to give a special thank you to Visions Home Health & Hospice and ‘His Girls’, Jackie, Rosa, Irene & Anna, whom dad absolutely adored. He talked about these special care takers as if they were his own daughters. Dad is survived by his children; Danny Pratt, Spokane, WA, Robyn (Corey) Robbins, Twin Falls, ID, Tawni (Kip) Wooten, Twin Falls, ID. His grandchildren; Rochelle Pratt, Jed Cordier, Dustin (Char) Wooten, Mandi (TD) Riddle, Brynli (Bryce) Vander Stelt and Daniel Cordier. His nine great-grandchildren; Hayli, Brayden, Garrett, Kelsie, Keigan, Caden, Kenydi, Burklee and Baylor. His siblings; Joan (Wayne) Reisenauer, WA; John (Mary) Rynearson, WA; Sherry (Dave) Aktinson, HI; Barbara (Bill) Geddie, Rancho Mirage, CA; Many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by; His wife, G. Darlene Pratt. His parents, Irvan Pratt & Phil and Esther Rynearson. His Son-in-Laws, Troy Davis and Kenny Cordier. His granddaughter, Kendra Cordier. Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 24, 2021 from 5 - 7 P.M. at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home. 2551 Kimberly Rd in Twin Falls. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park with a reception immediately following back at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so on Jim's memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com To View Jim's Funeral Service Please Go to: https://youtu.be/QqHzRUIM1pM