By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
Jun 29, 1938 — Aug 2, 2026
Claremore, Oklahoma
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Jim Prather 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.
