" PeeWee" John E. Pratt of Kettle Falls, passed away on Nov. 12, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. PeeWee was born on Feb. 26, 1946, in Colville. The son of James "Hap" and Francis Pratt. He was the 6th of 8 children.
He grew up in the Daisy/Rice area and farmed as a teen alongside his father. He was drafted into the US Army at the age of 21. PeeWee served his country for two years in the infantry and was stationed at Fort Worth, Fort Carson, Fort Lewis and Fort Polk. He spent his Tour of Duty in Vietnam. He was Honorably Discharged in March of 1969.  He earned 8 medals during that time. Including a Purple Heart for being wounded, a Bronze Star for heroic achievement and a Silver Star for gallantry in action. PeeWee was proud of his service and loved his country. But he was a very modest Hero.
He met and married the love of his life, Billie Jo Maze, in 1977. They were married in Post Falls at Billie Jo Sisters' home. They then made their home in Kettle Falls, moving away briefly for 4 years before returning to the area, where they have spent the last 37 years. During that time, they welcomed 2 sons, Jimmy and Jay whom PeeWee adored. He was active in every part of their lives. He coached their Baseball and Wrestling teams and showed up for every event they had growing up. Along the way PeeWee became "Pops" to many of the boys' friends.  They "adopted" every kid that followed Jimmy and Jay home. To this day, those now grown "boys" will continue to stop in to visit, bring firewood, or help with any projects he was working on.  He loved to camp, hunt, fish and do anything that involved him spending quality time with his family. When the boys got older and married, PeeWee reveled in becoming a grandfather. He attended every event he could for them. Caitlynn, Tagen and Rowdy could always count on Papa being in the stands. He recently became a great grandfather and loved that title as well. When Jimmy and Jay bought 4 Wheelers, he did too. When Jimmy bought a Jet Ski, he did too. In recent years he enjoyed his Razor and riding in the woods with Jimmy, and when his grandson Tagen was around, he could usually talk Papa into letting him drive and take him on a ride.
In 2014, PeeWee life crumbled when he lost his son Jay, it was the darkest time of his life, and he missed him every day for the next 9 and half years.
He worked at Plum Creek Timber Co./Stimson Lumber for 17 years before retiring in 2005.
PeeWee was proceeded in death by his parents, James and Francis, His beloved son Jay, 5 of his sibling's, sister Barb, Bev, Jean and Shirley, Brothers, Pat.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Billiejo at the home, Sister Linda, Brother Jim, Son Jimmy ( Andrea) Kettle Falls, Daughter in Law Lacey, Grandchildren, Caitlynn, Tyler, Tagen, Rowdy, Zane, Cody, and Great Grandchildren Kolson and Asher. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. All of whom will miss him dearly.
A gathering for PeeWee with Military Honors and Flag Presentation will be held at the Legion Hall in Kettle Falls at 11:00 a.m. December 2, followed by a potluck. Pastor Shane Moffitt officiating.