James Edison Prather

James Edison Prather was the 5th of 11 children born to the late Arnie Lee Prather and Annie Mildred (Alexander) Prather on January 27, 1943 , in Ripley, Mississippi. He departed this earthly life on November 30, 2022.

James accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age and became a member of Union Grove United Methodist Church. After marrying the love of his life, Mollie Esther (Nave) Prather, on March 16, 1964 and moving to St. Louis, Missouri, James became a devoted member of Cabanne United Methodist Church. They became the proud parents of three children. James was a devoted, loving husband and father, who gave sacrificially to his family and shared with anyone in need. He never complained or said an unkind word about anyone. He got along with everyone and was beloved by family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and church members alike! He worked for over 34 years as a machinist for Boeing Aircraft before retiring in 1997 back to Ripley, Mississippi and his beloved Union Grove United Methodist Church.

He loved to spend his days traveling the world with his dear wife, farming vegetables, taking care of his horses and cows, singing in the church choir and hosting his adoring grandchildren in the summer. On November 30, 2022, after a long sickness caretaken lovingly by his wife, James earned his wings and joined his parents in Heaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnie Lee and Annie Mildred Prather, as well as two brothers, Robert Prather and Marvin Prather. 

His memories will be cherished by his devoted wife, Mollie E. Prather, and their loving children, son Daxland (Trina) Prather of Raleigh, NC; daughter Dawn (Joel) Ducoste of Raleigh, NC; and son Darcy (Kristala) Prather of Milton, MA.  James also leaves behind to cherish forever his memory, grandchildren Janelle Prather, Mollie Ducoste, Jonathan Prather, Lauren Ducoste, Jarred Prather, Alexander Ducoste, Katheryn Prather, and Amara Prather; as well as great-grandchildren Sebastian Prather and Asher Prather and godchildren Shayla (Shamain) Rucker and Rory Hennings.  His memory will also be cherished by siblings Lee Prather, Etta Williams, Arvenell (Joyce) Prather of St. Louis, MO; Ardeltru Dixon of Cleveland, MS; Miller Naylor, George (Carolyn) Prather, Marilyn (James) Colyer and Lavern Prather of Ripley, MS; and sister-in-laws Laura Prather and Inethey Prather.  Lastly, he will be remembered lovingly by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 4p-6p at Foster & Son Funeral Home in Ripley, MS. Funeral service will be Saturday, December 4, 2022 at 1 pm at Foster and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Ripley, MS. The body will lie in state one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at White Oak Cemetery in Ripley, MS. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Edison Prather, please visit our floral store.