James Pritchard
Painter, Printmaker, Musician, Loved by all
Biography of James Arthur "Jimmy" Pritchard
James Arthur "Jimmy" Pritchard was a multifaceted individual whose life journey took him from the cotton mills of South Carolina to the vibrant art scene of San Francisco. A talented printmaker, painter, and beloved figure in the Bay Area art community, Jimmy’s life was marked by creativity, service, and an enduring love for the arts.
Early Life
Jimmy was born on January 16, 1927, in Judson, South Carolina, the seventh and youngest child of Grace Shannon and Floyd Alvie Pritchard. Growing up in a tight-knit family, he was surrounded by the rhythms of life in Greenville, where the entire Pritchard family worked in the local cotton mill. Despite the demands of mill life, music was a cornerstone of their home. The family often gathered to play the violin, guitar, mandolin, and piano, fostering in Jimmy an early appreciation for the arts that would shape his future.
Military Service
After graduating from high school, Jimmy enlisted in the U.S. Army, embarking on a diverse and distinguished military career. He began his service at the Belvoir Engineering School before being stationed at Red Stone Arsenal, where he worked under the renowned rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, drafting detailed drawings of rockets. His skills as a draftsman highlighted his precision and technical ability, traits that would later translate into his artistic work. Jimmy’s service then took him to Korea, where he spent nine months as a sharpshooter and combat engineer. He participated in the pivotal battle for Heartbreak Ridge, a testament to his courage and resilience. Following his time in Korea, his trustworthiness and competence earned him the highest level of security clearance, leading to an assignment as a diplomatic courier at the American Embassy in London. He was honorably discharged in 1958, having served his country with distinction.
Transition to Civilian Life
Upon returning to civilian life, Jimmy briefly explored his passion for music, working as a music programmer and disc jockey for the first classical music radio station in Birmingham, Alabama. This role allowed him to blend his technical skills with his love for the arts, reflecting the musical influences of his childhood. However, it was merely a stepping stone to his true calling in the visual arts.
Education
Jimmy pursued higher education at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he immersed himself in the study of printmaking, oil painting, and literature. His dedication to his craft paid off as he earned both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Fine Art. This academic foundation equipped him with the skills and knowledge that would define his career as a master printmaker and painter.
Artistic Career
In 1970, Jimmy made the pivotal decision to move to San Francisco, a city that would become his home and muse for over thirty years. There, he devoted himself entirely to his art, focusing on printmaking and oil painting. His figurative scenes of San Francisco, rendered in vivid colors, captured the essence of the city with a unique perspective that resonated with viewers. Jimmy quickly became a respected figure in the Bay Area art community. His work was showcased in prestigious exhibitions at venues such as the San Francisco Museum of Art, the DeYoung Museum, the Marquit Gallery, and the Palo Alto Cultural Center. One of his silk-screen prints was selected for display at the DeYoung Museum, a significant honor that underscored his talent. His multi-colored serigraphs, done in ink, were celebrated by the San Francisco Chronicle for their "full sophistication and droll wit," highlighting his ability to blend technical mastery with a playful, insightful style.Beyond the Bay Area, Jimmy’s influence extended to Clatsop College, where he held an exhibit in the college library. In addition to displaying and selling his work, he conducted two public silk-screen workshops and donated a piece to the college’s permanent collection, demonstrating his commitment to sharing his art and knowledge with others.
Personal Life
Jimmy lived in a building filled with fellow artists in the heart of San Francisco, fostering deep relationships and a sense of camaraderie. Known for his kind heart and infectious laughter, he was a beloved member of his community. He often painted portraits of his friends and their families, sharing his talent generously. His love for martinis, vinyl records, and impromptu jazz piano lessons endeared him to many, revealing a personality that was as vibrant as his artwork. Jimmy’s friendships were numerous and meaningful, and he left a lasting impression on those who knew him. His two dear friends, Leslie, and Sharon along with a niece and three nephews, remained close to him throughout his life.
Legacy And Passing
Jimmy Pritchard passed away on May 23, 2018 at the Veterans Home, leaving behind a rich legacy of creativity and kindness. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings but is survived by his niece, three nephews, and his friends Sharon, and Leslie. He is interred at the Veterans Home Cemetery. Though he is no longer with us, Jimmy’s spirit endures through his art. A memorial gallery has been established to honor his work, ensuring that his vibrant depictions of San Francisco and his masterful prints will continue to inspire and delight for generations to come. Loved and missed by many, Jimmy Pritchard’s life was a testament to the power of art to connect, uplift, and endure.
