SFC(R) James C. Pretlow, Jr.

On January 20, 2025, SFC(R) James C. Pretlow, Jr., affectionately known as "Jim, "Batman," and a special nickname "Ko" (Kokomo) by his sister Lola, entered into eternal rest at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 15, 1956, the son of the late James C. Pretlow, Sr. and Queen Elizabeth Adkins-Pretlow, Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital, New York City, New York.

He attended Fort Hamilton High School, in Brooklyn New York, graduating in 1974. In 1976, he proudly joined the United States Armed Forces, embarking on a distinguished military career honorably serving in the Transportation Field, that took him across the globe. His assignments included Germany, Bosnia, Croatia, Turkey, Fort Lewis, Fort Eustis, Virginia, Fort Dix, New Jersey, Alaska, Fort Stewart, Georgia, and Fort Benning, Georgia. During his time in the military, James met the love of his life, Belinda Johnson. The two were married on September 30, 1982, and together, they built a beautiful family raising four sons: James Ill, Jarrell, Robert (DJ), and Dewayne. After twenty-two years and six months of dedicated service, SFC(R) James C. Pretlow, Jr. continued his professional journey at Northrop Grumman as a Word Processor. Later, he began working as a Sales Associate at Walmart in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he retired after fifteen years.  Never one to stay idle, he went on to serve as a school bus driver for Newport News Public Schools, where he retired after nineteen years of service on December 1, 2024. 

James accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Vine Baptist Church in Charles City, Virginia. He was a devoted member of Jamestown Christian Fellowship, where he served faithfully as a Deacon under Pastor Wade and Lisa Trump. Beyond his service and faith, James found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved bowling, fishing, traveling, roller skating, playing handball, and spending time with his grandchildren, and he was an avid sports fan.  He loved watching the New York Giants, hoping he would see them make it to the Superbowl. He took great pride in being the reigning champion of Pac-Man and was known for his signature phrase, "...that's a sign of weakness." Always active and always engaged, James was a man who lived life to the fullest.

He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Shirley Walker. 

James leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife of forty-two years Belinda Pretlow; four sons, James Ill (Alexis), Jarrell (Humility), Robert (Cathy), and Dewayne (L'Keira); sisters, Lola and Karen (Artie); aunt, Vearl; cherished grandchildren, Kennedy, Kinsley, DaeShaun, Jordan, Roman, Jaylen, Dewayne, Jr., Dh'Kayvian, Jeremiah, Josiah, Jada, and Christopher; great-grandson Dewayne, Ill and great-granddaughter lyanna; sisters-in-law, Joanne Johnson and Donna Frogg (Howard); brother-law Dean Johnson (Lisa); a special longtime friend of over forty-five years Charles Willingham; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. His legacy of love, service, and unwavering strength will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A funeral service with full military honors to celebrate SFC(R) Pretlow's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at noon.  Interment will take place at a later date at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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