James Thomas Prather, 83, passed away March 20, 2016 in Naples, Italy. James was born in Miami, FL to the late Ernest and Marguerite Brennan Prather. He was a veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War having served in the United States Navy retiring as a CPO after 31 years of service; and was a member of Diamond Springs Baptist Church.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 58 years, Franca F. Prather; daughters, Margerite Prather, Helen S. Hussey (Tom), Anna Prather-Weber (Greg), Stefania Morris(Thom); 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; his beloved sister, Bettye Mathis; and a host of other loving family.

The family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake on Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 1 to 2 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will begin at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Warren N.Skinner officiating followed by full military honors. He will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. State Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. Please visit his book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and to send words of encouragement to the family.