James Luther Prather

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Jim was born on June 29, 1938, in Claremore, Oklahoma, to Luther and Beulah Prather. He was raised in the Foyil community, where he attended Foyil Schools. During his school years, he enjoyed playing basketball and graduated with the Class of 1956. Following high school, Jim attended Oklahoma Military Academy on a basketball scholarship before beginning his career in the workforce at a local manufacturing company.

While spending time at Teen Town in Claremore, Jim met Donna Wood, a young woman who would become his lifelong partner. They married on August 1, 1959, and spent the next 67 years building a home and family together in Claremore. Through life's joys and challenges, they remained devoted to one another, their family, and the community they loved.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He found great joy in coaching Little League and American Legion baseball, spending countless hours on the field with his children and many other young athletes. He also played an instrumental role in helping build the current Powers Park, leaving a lasting impact on the Claremore community.

Professionally, Jim spent most of his career as a salesman dealing fasteners and construction hardware. His reputation for honesty, hard work, and exceptional customer relationships eventually led him to establish his own company. He continued working into his late seventies before retiring from SBS Industries.

Jim enjoyed a life filled with friendships, favorite places, and familiar routines. He and Donna looked forward to traveling together, especially to Branson. He remained a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Oklahoma Sooners teams, with a particular fondness for the women's softball team. Retirement gave him more time for one of his favorite pastimes: playing dominos with friends nearly every morning at the Claremore Senior Citizens Center.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Beulah Prather; his sisters, Bobbie Barnes, Evelyn Payne, Jo Helen O'Dell, Betty Jones, and Anna Prather; and his brothers, John Prather and Jerry Prather.

He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory: his wife, Donna Prather; his son, Perry Prather and wife Karla; his son, Alan Prather and husband Bryan Lijewski; his daughter, Penny Rusk and husband Dan; his grandchildren, Evan Prather, Jenkyns Jones and husband Utah, and Piper Rusk; his great-grandson, Emmit; his sisters Carol Walker, Mary Lynn England and Donna Sue Weaver along with dozens of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

What many people remember most about Jim is how he made them feel. He greeted everyone with an easy smile, genuine friendliness, and a kindness that was never forced. Over the years, he became a coach, mentor, neighbor, and friend to many, leaving behind a community made stronger by his presence. He was not a man of grand gestures, but of steady kindness, generosity, and a willingness to show up for others when they needed him most.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Claremore Senior Citizen Center, Att: Stacey Dowden, 475 East Blue Starr Drive, Claremore, Oklahoma 74017.