James Richard Pruitt

James R. Pruitt, age 94, a long time resident of Santa Ana, California, peacefully passed away on July 30, 2015 in the comfort of his own home. He was the son of the late James G. and Strausie McKain Pruitt. James was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and raised in Michigan.

America has lost another member of the Greatest Generation in the passing of James R. Pruitt.

In 1942, he volunteered to fly for the Army Air Corps and piloted a B-24 Liberator bomber on 30 missions out of England over France and Germany, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross. He volunteered to remain in the Air Force reserves after the war and became a lieutenant colonel before retiring in 1981.

James worked in research for Chevron Oil until his retirement in 1983. During that time he also served as a volunteer firefighter for 10 years in his neighborhood fire department. For 23 years he served the people of Santa Ana as a reserve police officer where he instituted screening and training programs for the reserve officers. Since 1972 until his retirement in 1989, he was the ranking officer in the 22 member police reserves.

In the 1990's James and his wife Daphne were finally able to enjoy traveling throughout the United States in their Bounder RV and in later years enjoyed many shorter trips in and around Sedona, AZ and Santa Fe, NM. We will all remember James as a dedicated patriot who sacrificed for his country, community and was especially devoted to his wife Daphne.

Survivors include his brother Carl W. Pruitt and several nieces and nephews.

James was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Daphne L. Culver Pruitt and his brother Floyd Pruitt.

Inurnment was private and a memorial service will be held on a future date at the discretion of the family.

Arrangements were made by Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary; for information or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.harborlawn.com