Robert James Pratt, Jr.

Robert James Pratt Jr. of Bellingham, WA passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the age of 58.

 Known to nearly everyone as Bob, Robert was born December 16, 1965 in Brooklyn, NY. He was the son of the late Robert James Pratt Sr. and the late Evelyn (Simpson) Pratt. Bob grew up in Hawley, PA and graduated from Wallenpaupack High School in 1984. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps.

 While stationed in Whidbey Island, Bob met and married his former wife, Julie Flint (Owens). As military families do, they relocated to North Carolina where they welcomed their first daughter Brittany. After serving in the Marine Corps, he moved to Tampa, FL where he started the first of many entrepreneurial ventures and their second daughter Sarah was born. He later moved to Vancouver, Canada where Bob obtained his stock broker license and his namesake, Robert James III joined the family. Never one to stay still, it was then on to Washington State where he spent most of his adult life. The birth of their daughter Faith completed the family.

 When asked how to describe Bob, one could probably say many things about a larger-than-life man who did everything loudly and loved even bigger than that. Bob was generous to all, and famous for silly antics designed to gain the maximum number of laughs while also thoroughly embarrassing his kids. He was just as ready to deliver thoughtful counsel for anyone needing wisdom. Creatively gifted, he would write heartfelt works when the mood struck and occasionally even broke out a sketching pencil. Anyone who knew Bob understood he was happiest as the man in charge, made evident by numerous entrepreneurial ventures powered by an endless number of quad-shot Americanos. Each of these businesses over the course of his life gathered a family of employees that meant the world to him. At his core, Bob had a heart of ministry. He loved the Lord and wasn’t afraid to pray for anyone who came his way. Anytime he served in missions, children were drawn to the light in him. Bob would spend hours laughing, playing, and showing the heart of Jesus to all, down to the littlest child.

 He is survived by two daughters: Sarah (Alex) Moffitt of Pendleton, SC and Faith Pratt of Charleston, SC; one son: Robert James Pratt III of Bellingham, WA; two sisters: Lynn (Edward) O'Brien of Tampa, FL and Ellen (John) Ace of Bushkill, PA; one brother: James (Donna) Ilardi of Carmel, NY; and grandchildren Eiley, Noah, and Olivia.

 Bob was preceded in death by his infant daughter Brittany, his twin brother Steven, and his sister Laurie Ross. 

 His death comes far too soon. Bob’s legacy is deep and the magnitude of life he brought to each person impacted by his gifts will be forever remembered. His faith in Christ means we no longer know his presence on earth, but Bob’s joy has been made complete as he looks in the face of his Savior. As those who have lost a father, a friend, a mentor, or whichever of the many titles he held in his life; we hold onto the knowledge that in Jesus, death is but a hiccup in the timeline, not a forever goodbye. 

 All are welcome to join Bob’s family in celebration of his life on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The service will take place at Christ the King Community Church, located at 4173 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226.