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James Prather Obituary
Dr. Prather was a thoracic surgeon at the VA Hospital for over 45 years. He was a class of 1953 graduate of the University of Arkansas and class of 1957 graduate of Vanderbilt Medical School. He enjoyed duck hunting, rock collecting, and farming.
He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Harper Prather.
He leaves two sons; Hugh Prather, of Memphis, Tennessee, Bruce Prather, of Nashville, Tennessee one daughter; Leisha Pickering, of Flora, one sister; Jane Walker, of Memphis, and eight grandchildren; Will Pickering, Ross Pickering, Jack Pickering, Asher Pickering, Harper Pickering, Logan Prather, Caleb Prather, and Hannah Prather.
The family requests that any memorials be sent to HANDS, Helping Americans Needing Disaster Support, Box 16440, Jackson, MS 39236, a charity helping hurricane victims founded by his daughter.
Memories and Condolences
for James Prather
14 Entries
Nancy and Doug Todd
June 18, 2007
Leisha and Chip -
We are sad to hear of your loss and hope you find comfort in wonderful memories.
Janet
June 15, 2007
THOUGHTS ON THE PASSING OF A SPECIAL RELATIVE AND FRIEND
Your death has left me saddened
that our trio now exists only in my heart and memories.
For ten reunions spanning twenty years,
You, Warren, and I shared Six O’clock Bunch
Coffee each Saturday and Sunday
On the breezeway at Lake Barkley not far
From the old family homestead there in Kentucky.
A special bond was birthed and nurtured
During those wonderful early morning chats—
A bond that even death cannot sever.
As I sit here, wallowing in selfish conflicting emotions—
Tears, laughter, joy, sadness, recollection and reflection
On the wonderful family anecdotes
(mostly true but I suspect some fraught with embellishment),
I cannot help but give thanks that you
Accepted this ‘outlaw’ into the inner family circle and
Loved me unconditionally as though I were blood-kin.
Six O’clock on the breezeway
has been forever altered with your passing…
and while there is a tremendous feeling of loss,
I shall feel eternal gratitude that our trio
Ever existed at all.
Gail Polk
June 13, 2007
I worked with Dr. Prather for many years at VAMC Memphis and will always have fond memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mathew Varni
June 12, 2007
I have been privileged to work for and with Bruce Prather for many years. Based on my experiences with Bruce I am sure that Dr. James Richard Prather was a wonderful man. My heart felt sympathy to all his family and friends.
Vince & Mary De Frank
June 9, 2007
Hugh,
Vince and I were so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Please know that we are here for you if there is anything you or your family should need. You will remain in our prayers.
Ernest Cashion
June 9, 2007
Dr. Prather and I were associated for 48 years. First I was his teacher and mentor to some degree and later as fellow physicians for30 years at VAMC.Saw him last over 2 years ago but alwys looked him up when in Memphis and talked of the good old times. He was the most skilled craftsman in surgery I ever had the privilage to work with. Would be at visitation today but just notified of death and am in Tulsa and cannot get there.
Alan Barnes
June 8, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time. The Barnes Family
David McLean
June 8, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jane Ames
June 8, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jane Ames (friend/coworker of Bruce Prather's)
Samuel Herring,PA
June 8, 2007
Dr. Prather was a true mentor to me while at the va hospital working in the triage and emergency room area. He was a
skilled clinician.I am thankful for the years I spent working with him.God has gained another slillful physician in his kingdom.
Mike O'Connor
June 8, 2007
Bruce my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Staff of Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemeteries & Cemeteries
June 8, 2007
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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