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Jack Prettyman, 83, lifelong resident of Glen Dale, WV, passed away on May 22, 2024 at Liza's Place in Wheeling, WV with family by his side.
Jack is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marlene (Peters) Prettyman; his children Kelly (Doug) Williams, Jack (Kathy) Prettyman, Matthew (Erin) Prettyman, and Patrick Prettyman. Jack leaves behind grandchildren who he cherished and taught many tricks while secretly filling their pockets with goodies; Bethany (Brian) Cayton, Whitney (Nate) Williams, Dylon (Sydney) Prettyman, Kyle (Lacole) Whorton, Matthew Prettyman, Benjamin Prettyman and Amber (John Tedrow) Moore. Jack also adored his ten great grandchildren who were spoiled and loved passionately. Oreo cookie crumbs were usually discovered by parents in the pockets of these youngsters after a visit to Pap Pap's home.
Also surviving are Jack's brothers Terry (Shelley) Prettyman, Michael (Chris) Prettyman, and Bill (Sally) Sechrest; sister-in-law Patricia Thompson and brother-in-law Edward Peters and many nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his father, Jack Prettyman; his mother Muriel (Goodwin) Prettyman Sechrest; and brothers Gerald "Jerry" Prettyman and Clarence "Pete" Prettyman.
Jack spent most of his career as a sales representative for numerous companies over the years, however his true passion was "working" a game as a referee on a basketball court or football field. Jack's incredible officiating career began in the 1960's and continued for 44 years. Jack officiated local high school and WVIAC football and basketball while his basketball career rose to the prestigious ranks of the Eastern 8 and Atlantic 10 Conferences. Jack also enjoyed an exciting stint as a referee for the Professional Indoor Football League for 10 years. Among many awards and achievements in 2008 Jack was honored with the Upper Ohio Valley Dapper Dan award and in 2014 Jack was inducted into the OVAC Hall of Fame. Jack's honesty, love of the game, respect for the coaches, and a desire to connect positively with the players made Jack a popular and well-respected official.
Jack had a heart full of kindness and an energy full of orneriness. He never knew a stranger and allowed everyone to feel welcomed into his life. The countless stories and jokes he told always held a captive audience.
Jack wanted to help others suffering from illnesses and the pain associated with them, therefore he donated his body to the WVU Human Gift Registry.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 2nd at 1:00 at the Glen Dale Fire Department Hall. Please come share your stories and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at alz.org