With deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of Z. Jack C. Prattas, a beloved and cherished husband, brother, uncle and great-uncle. He was a devoted family man, a great friend, a respected lawyer, a dedicated judge, and a valuable member of our community.

Jack was a compassionate and caring individual who placed his family first. A loving husband, he shared more than 50 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife Mary. Together they built a life rich in love, laughter, companionship, shared passions and filled with adventure and travel all around the world. He shared an especially close bond with his two sisters. Their relationship was one of deep love, loyalty, and mutual support. Jack was also a proud and devoted uncle who cherished the time he spent with his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He took great joy in being part of their lives, and was always supportive, present, and generous with his time and love. Jack was a loving and caring uncle and never missed a hockey game when his nephews were playing and loved cheering them on. He often attended very early morning practices with them and travelled together to many hockey tournaments including to Quebec, Lake Placid, Switzerland.

Jack obtained his LL.B. (J.D.) at Queen’s University after obtaining his B.A. at the University of Toronto. He dedicated his career to the practice of law, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike for his fairness, wisdom, and compassion. Jack started his own firm in 1975 and was later joined by his sister. While practising, Jack obtained his LL.M. in international law. He also served the public as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Assessment Review Board, managing nine regional offices throughout the province.

His dedication to the rule of law eventually led him to the bench, where he served as Deputy Judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Small Claims Court. He was known not only for his sharp legal mind but also for his deep sense of fairness and understanding. He thoroughly loved his time on the bench, finding fulfillment not only in the legal work and analysis, but also in the human connections he made. He always had time for his colleagues whether to engage in thoughtful debate, mentor, or simply share a laugh in the court’s library.


Beyond his professional accomplishments, he remained deeply connected to his roots and to the community, generously volunteering his time, guidance, and support. This includes charitable endeavours to which his contributions helped strengthen the community that he cared so deeply about. He was instrumental in the formation of the Hellenic Home for the Aged Inc. and served as its President. He was also a founder and the inaugural President of the Hellenic Hope Center for Persons with Special Needs Inc.

Jack had a tremendous wit and sense of humour. He was a philosopher at heart and an avid reader, well-versed and widely read, especially in the classics. He had a great love and appreciation of the Greek language. He was a master crossword puzzle solver, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing chess, watching basketball, watching classic movies, and listening to classical and Greek music. One of his favourite things was spending time in Greece, home of the ancient Greek philosophers he quoted so often, enjoying the country’s natural beauty and leisure lifestyle.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Hellenic Hope Center for Persons With Special Needs Inc. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G7HQJFHZWR65Y
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