James Brian "Jim" Pritchard

James “Jim” Brian Pritchard, age 66, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away at UW Hospital on Friday, April 12, 2024.

Jim was born on October 5, 1957, to James Darvin and Elizabeth “Betty” Pritchard. He grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, attended Dowling High School, and graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he was a State Champion Swimmer (the #1 Backstroker in the state). Jim married his high school sweetheart, Mary (Conrad) Pritchard, and raised four children: Michael Pritchard, Jason Pritchard, Erica Bloomer, and Ed Pritchard. He was a proud, devoted, and loving grandfather to Florence, Francesca and Leonardo of Erica Bloomer (Rick Bloomer), Penelope, David and Matilda of Ed Pritchard (Stephanie Pritchard), and Jaylen of Jason Pritchard.

Throughout his life, Jim was a jack-of-all-trades and had a variety of careers. One of his most memorable jobs was as an Over-the-Road Truck Driver, where he gained a stoic mentality that would carry on through the rest of his life and influenced life lessons that he imparted to his children and grandchildren. He was a talented truck driver and could maneuver semis into the narrowest alleys in the busiest cities. Nothing would ever stop him; it was always “keep on trucking.”

Another career he loved was his Forms and Records Manager job for the Department of Corrections and later the Department of Health, from which he retired after 30 years. During those years, he made many close friends who, even after retirement, still gathered for monthly get-togethers and happy hours. His circle of friends will deeply miss him.

Above all, he enjoyed making memories with his family. Life was always an adventure with Jim, and he treasured spending time camping, fishing, listening to music, birdwatching, baking, attending church events, and sharing stories about history, life, and faith. To his grandchildren, he was known as “Pa” and never missed the opportunity to show his love and support for them at sporting events and school functions. To his children, he never hesitated to help in a time of need, especially if you needed a ride at any hour, day or night. He had a unique way of ensuring that every moment spent together counted, and his unwavering faith in God and the Church will undoubtedly ensure he awaits his family in heaven and perpetually looks down to guide them and keep them safe.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ellen; his father, James Darvin; his brother, Steve; his mother, Betty; his sister, Anne Pritchard; and his son, Jason Pritchard. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children Michael, Erica, and Ed, and his grandchildren Florence, Francesca, Leonardo, Penelope, David, Matilda, and Jaylen. He will be forever missed, and we pray that his light continues to shine upon those he loved so dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, WI 53711. A visitation will be held Friday evening from 4 - 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705.

Please share your memories of Jim here on his Tribute Page.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434