James M. Pritchard

James M. Pritchard, 83, of Chillicothe, passed from this life early Sunday morning, June 15, 2008 in Pleasant Hill Manor, Piketon, OH following an extended illness. He was born Jan. 29, 1925 in Chillicothe, the son of Larkin and Mamie Kathryn (Leasure) Pritchard. On Sept. 13, 1945 he married Gladys Mae Penrod who preceded him in death May 10, 2005. Surviving are sons, Ernest L. Pritchard, a son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Leta Pritchard, all of Chillicothe, grandsons, Eric, Nicholas, Drew and Travis Pritchard, sisters, Geneva Detty, Chillicothe and Betty (Dale) Gaines, Circleville, OH and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents, 2 sisters and 7 brothers preceded him in death. Mr. Pritchard was a retired employee of U.S. Shoe Corporation with 42 years of service, retiring in 1987. He was a WW II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre. He was a coach for Little League Baseball and for men's and woman's softball for several years and will be remembered as an avid sport's enthusiast. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, June 19, 2008 in the Fawcett-Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home with Rev. Elaine Mulford officiating. Burial will follow in Twin Township Cemetery with military graveside services by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday.