James C. Pratt; Retired Producer

James Cornelius Pratt, a retired motion-picture producer and production executive who worked in the entertainment industry for more than 50 years, has died at a Burbank hospital. He was 86.

Pratt died Oct. 10 of complications of pneumonia, said estate trustee Christa Foster.

Born in Silverton, Colo., Pratt started as a carpenter in the film industry in the 1920s. Pratt worked in a variety of positions for film companies including Fox Studios, MGM Studios and Columbia Pictures. From 1946 to 1952, he was head of feature productions at Universal Studios and later worked for Disney Pictures. Pratt returned to Universal in 1962 to work as executive production manager.

He left Universal in 1967. During his career he produced films including “Tonka” (1958), “The Moonshine War” (1970) and “What’s The Matter With Helen?” (1971). He also served as associate producer of “Ice Station Zebra” (1968) and “Airborne” (1971). Pratt retired in the mid-1970s.

For the past 10 years, he had been president of the Universal Studio Early Timers Club and was active in fund raising on behalf of the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

Pratt is survived by a sister, Isolde Dalton of North Hollywood. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Pratt.

A memorial service is planned for 6 p.m. tonight at the Old North Church at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in the Hollywood Hills. Forest Lawn Mortuary in the Hollywood Hills is handling the arrangements. Donations can be made in Pratt’s name to the Motion Picture & Television Fund.