James Gilbert Prather

James (Jim) Gilbert Prather was born on May 31, 1947 to James Cole Prather and Frances Duncan Prather in North Carolina. The eldest of their 2 children, Jim was the brother to Ruth Prather. In the years to follow, Jim's father had two more sons, making Jim a brother to Robert and Danny Prather. Jim graduated from South Gate High School in 1966. He joined the Marine Corps on November 25, 1966 and was part of the 3rd Division, HQ 9th Marine TET OFFENSIVE, during which time he was promoted from Private First Class to Lance Corporal. He was discharged to the Marine Corps Reserves on November 19, 1968, ending his reserve obligation on August 15, 1972. During his time serving in Vietnam he was awarded a Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service medal with 2 stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and Good Conduct Medal. He received several unit citations for bravery and winning in important operations, including incursions into North Vietnam.
Jim was an ironworker with Ironworker's Local 433 for many years, as well as an elevator/escalator technician for Westinghouse Elevator. He was an LA City building inspector, eventually rising to the level of an Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development Inspector of record for hospitals and schools. Jim became an entrepreneur, starting up several businesses inventing and developing products of high tech nature, including at least 11 patents.
Jim was married to Diane Anderson Prather from October 10, 1970 to November 17, 1988. They had 3 daughters, Keri, Erin, and Megan. On July 4, 1991 Jim married Sheryl Bates Prather, blending their families for a total of 7 children and eventually many grandchildren. In 1981 Jim joined the Free and Accepted Masons. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge of Yorba Linda, CA, founded the Masonic Families Helping Veterans Chapter 01 MFHV, and was actively involved with Veteran's rights and needs. He was a proud lifetime member of AMVET and VVA and was awarded the Hiram Award by the Masonic Lodge for his help with veterans in the community. Jim loved animals, especially his beloved dogs. He enjoyed body building, taking walks, going to the movies, spending time with family and friends, and had a love for fun cars. Jim passed away June 1, 2016 and is survived by his 3 daughters, Keri Prather, Erin Prather Bones, and Megan Prather Martinez, his 2 grandsons, Leon and Calvin Bones, and brothers Robert and Danny Prather.
Graveside services will be Monday, June 20, 2016 at 9:45 a.m. at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California, 92518. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com.