Obituary for James Franklin Prather Jr.
James Franklin Prather, 76, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 10, 2020 at Beaumont Hospital. He was a residence of Beaumont Rehabilitation Center in Dearborn, Michigan. He was born on February 19, 1944 to James and Pauline (Thomas) Prather in Ripley, Mississippi. He and his family moved to Battle Creek at an early age where he attended Battle Creek Public Schools. He was a great athlete actively participating in sports, including basketball, track and excelling in football. He graduated from BC Central High School in 1963.
James committed his life to Christ at an early age and later became a servant of Jehovah, serving for more than thirty years. He strived to follow the example of Jesus Christ in sharing the Good News of God’s Kingdom with others as long as his health allowed.
James enjoyed walking and exercising, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a sharp dresser. James loved music and was a good singer. He was a kind, humble and respectful person and beloved by many. He had a great sense of humor, with a wonderful smile and laugh. He was a hard working man, who previously worked at Post General Foods, Consumer Energy, Battle Creek Public Schools, retiring from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Battle Creek with more than 29 years of services.
James married Marlene (Hall) Prather and to this union two children were born. The marriage ended. He was married to Martha Wilson Prather, and to that union was one son. Martha preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
James leaves to cherish his memory, daughter Kim Prather Kennedy of Inkster, Michigan, Darius and Troy Prather of Battle Creek, and Eric Prather of Columbus, Ohio; Sisters Betty Prather Moorehead and Linda Prather Lane of Battle Creek; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephew and cousins.
A private graveside service will be held at Memorial Park. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
James committed his life to Christ at an early age and later became a servant of Jehovah, serving for more than thirty years. He strived to follow the example of Jesus Christ in sharing the Good News of God’s Kingdom with others as long as his health allowed.
James enjoyed walking and exercising, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a sharp dresser. James loved music and was a good singer. He was a kind, humble and respectful person and beloved by many. He had a great sense of humor, with a wonderful smile and laugh. He was a hard working man, who previously worked at Post General Foods, Consumer Energy, Battle Creek Public Schools, retiring from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Battle Creek with more than 29 years of services.
James married Marlene (Hall) Prather and to this union two children were born. The marriage ended. He was married to Martha Wilson Prather, and to that union was one son. Martha preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
James leaves to cherish his memory, daughter Kim Prather Kennedy of Inkster, Michigan, Darius and Troy Prather of Battle Creek, and Eric Prather of Columbus, Ohio; Sisters Betty Prather Moorehead and Linda Prather Lane of Battle Creek; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephew and cousins.
A private graveside service will be held at Memorial Park. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.