Last month I attended my uncle’s home going celebration in Jackson, Tennessee. I received several condolences and comments of encouragement, but I was in no way sad or despondent.
Reverend James Harold Pruitte was born March 3, 1926 and passed this June. If you’re counting, he lived 93 years, and he lived them well. Because of the distance between us (I grew up in Northern Illinois), I didn’t see him very often. However, I do remember every time I spoke with him, although he looked stern, he was an exceptionally kind man. As the years passed, I saw him less, but I frequently asked my father (Uncles James was his oldest brother) how Uncle James was doing. I would hear reports of him hunting deer and rabbits, driving his tractor (he owned a rather large farm), or working his garden.
The love of his life, my Aunt Bell, passed more than fourteen years ago, but nothing seemed to slow him down. I knew he pastored a church (Cool Springs Missionary Baptist Church), but I learned that he held that position for 63 years. I learned he served as a chaplain for Jackson General Hospital and served as President of the local Ministerial Alliance. There were other accomplishments that are too numerous to list now, but his commitment to ministry was impressive.
I was also moved to see three generations of his family in attendance and paying him honor and tribute. Many gave glowing words and expressions that painted a great picture of his life, but I believe the words of my father left an indelible impression on everyone in the church. My father began by stating he knew his brother better than anyone in the setting because he had known him for 85 years. My dad recalled how his older brother would assist my grandmother in the kitchen when she was ailing. He told us how his brother’s Christian conversion often brought ridicule and isolation; but he held firm to his faith in God.
I sat and listened to the kind and thoughtful words spoken about my Uncle James, and I was filled with godly pride as I looked on his biological and spiritual families. I thanked God for allowing my uncle to live such a long and full life. I also prayed that I would have as many years and do something godly and substantial with that time.
When I was given an opportunity to have expressions, I read Proverbs 10:27: “The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.” Here’s to my Uncle James, a life well lived!