J.V. "John" Pratt, 80, of Athens, TN, passed away, Friday, January 25, 2013 at His residence. A native of Etowah and of the Baptist Faith, he was the only child of the late John Jessie and Leo Center Pratt. He joined the National Guard when he was 17 years old. 278 Infantry, National Guard Unit activated combat service, Ft. Evans, Mass. After serving 6 months active duty was discharged with several others because of being underage. Thirty days later John, turned 18 and joined the U.S. Air Force. He was sent to Langley Air Force Base to be processed and was assigned to the 136 Fighter Bomber group out of TX. This unit was sent to Japan. He served one tour in Japan and one tour in Korea, after Korea he was sent to Tokyo and processed to return to Niagara Falls, N.Y. He served the remainder of his term in the U.S. Air Force. He was discharged in 1953 and employed by Bowater Southern Paper Mill for 7 years. John went to South GA to Great Southern Paper Mill as a shipping Forman for 10 years. After paper mill work, John joined the Teamsters Union and worked for Roadway Express as a line haul driver for 32 years in various cities, Chattanooga, Oklahoma City, and Memphis. He retired to Athens, TN in 2002. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Janice Hodges Pratt of Athens, TN, formerly of Blakely, GA; Sons and daughters-in-law, Vic and Diana Pratt of Etowah, Eddie and Carolyn Pratt of Blakely, GA, Vince Pratt and Bonita of Greenville, TN and Mark Pratt of Hurst, TX; Step-son and spouse, Larry and Donna Jones of Columbus, GA; Step-daughter and spouse, Laura and Mike Wilkins of California; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; and his special pet, Buffy. Graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Cog Hill Cemetery with Military Honors. Colonel Jimmy Williams and Rev. Joe Hatcher will officiate. No formal visitation will be held.