James Michael "Jim" Pretti, 71 of Springfield passed away at 3:53 pm on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 in his home. As a boy he started working at Wright Auto Body Shop. He was the first one at Central High School to work at an auto body shop (VoTech). He was the one who made it possible for deaf children to go to public school for his son Kevin Michael Pretti. Jim was an ambulance driver for Triple A. He was a Springfield Police Officer and very proud of that. He also owned Pretti Dry Cleaners and Pretti's Auto Body Shop. He helped start the Nixa, Missouri Fire Department, and was head of public relations. He was the owner of Ozark Flag Distributors, LLC for 32 years. Jim was very outgoing, never met a stranger, always said just what he thought, but was quick to apologize if he was wrong. He had a heart of gold and would help anybody. He was one of a kind and will never be forgotten by those who truly knew and loved him. The catholic church was always a part of his life. As a child he was an altar boy. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Pretti; mother, Irene Osburn; step-father, Author Osburn; both sets of grandparents, cousins and other loved ones including his special angel, his son, Kevin Michael Pretti, little 101. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Pretti; his step-daughter and son-in-law, Barbi and Michael DeWitt; his step-grandchildren, Michael, Jr. and Ruby Ann DeWitt; two cousins, Tom and Phil Pretti; his aunt, Katherine and many loving friends. Funeral services will be Monday, September 29, 2014 at 2:00 pm in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel with visitation at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Michael DeWitt, Sr, Michael DeWitt, Jr (Mikey), Jeremy Springer, Mike Batson, Dwayne Davis, and Bob Todd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any charity or organization of your choice.