Born January 12, 1952, in Butler, he was the son of the late James E. Pritts, and the late Fern “Lucy” (Rape) Pritts.
Jim was a graduate of Butler High School, and went on to work for Armco / AK Steel until his retirement in 2005. He was very active in the community, especially with the Butler Little Theater and with Succop Nature Park. Jim led an active lifestyle, and enjoyed playing disc golf, bowling, being outdoors, and traveling. He will also be fondly remembered for playing Santa, visiting countless homes and organizations, where he entertained children in the community. Above all else, Jim loved his family, and especially enjoyed playing cards with them. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rita (Heitzer) Pritts, whom he married on September 20, 1974, his daughter, Hanna (Scott) Contreras; his son, Kevin Pritts, his grandchildren, Connor and Morgan Contreras, five brothers, Melvin “Luke” Pritts, Mike Pritts, Dave Pritts (Rosanna Phillippo), Jeff (Diane) Pritts, and Gene (Sue) Pritts; three sisters, Louise (Bill) Williamson, Linda Hotham, and Sara (Tom) Plaisted, his aunt, Doris McGonigle, his uncle, Lewis (Sonja) Rape, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 1-3 & 6-8 PM at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at St. Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 W. Jefferson St, Butler, PA 16001, with Pastor David Phillips officiating. All guests are kindly asked to meet at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Jim’s name to either Penn Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept., 311 Airport Road, Butler, PA 16002, or to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org)
All who knew Jim are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to his unique remembrance page at www.thomnpson-miller.com.