James Praprotnik
James Henry Praprotnik of Saint Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his home on July 6, 2020 at the age of 78.
Born in Saint Louis, Missouri on February 15, 1942, Jim was a lifelong resident. He graduated from O’Fallon Technical High School (1960) and Oklahoma State University (1968) where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree of Architecture. His talents led to many proud achievements in the field, from high level planning as an architect for the City of Saint Louis to airport, residential, and commercial designs. However, his greatest accomplishments were being a husband, father and caregiver.
Together with his wife Marlene, Jim built their dream home to raise a close-knit family with these foundations: to always love, look out for and support one another through the best and worst of times. When life served the unexpected, he persevered through those hardships with grace and good humor while possessing an endless drive and fortitude. He was a role model on how to balance strength, integrity and kindness. Years of tireless caregiving, especially for Ken and Marlene, never appeared to wear him down; however, even the strongest people need rest. After fifteen years apart, Jim and Marlene’s journeys came to an end in the home they created and they can finally rest together.
James is survived and will always be loved very much by his daughter Cheryl (Brent), son Mark (Breanna and grandson, Cooper), son Michael (Angela and granddaughter, Adelyn), brother Robert (Grace, decd.), brother Louis (Janet), sister Linda, sister-in-law Patricia, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones. He is preceded by his wife, Marlene, son Kenneth, father Louis and mother Jeanette (Kalert).
A private family prayer service will be held at New Saint Marcus Cemetery and Mausoleum Chapel, Affton, MO, which will be his final resting place with Marlene and Kenneth.
A public memorial celebration to honor the life of Jim will be held in the fall of 2020. Details will be shared once finalized. Please e-mail JPMemorial2020@gmail.com with your name and contact information to be included in these future updates.
Jim and Marlene were research participants and organ donors for Washington University’s Memory & Aging Project. They also never passed an opportunity to share a nice meal with others. In lieu of flowers, donations to either of the following would be appreciated in Jim’s honor:
Memory and Aging Project
Wonderful job on the obituary! Your Dad would be now and always was very proud of each of you. I would love to be included in any further memorial. Praying for each of you as you live into the reality of life without his physical presence, knowing that he and your Mom will always be just a thought away. I’m sure they are and will watch over you every day. And, of course, Ken is and will be there too. Ken has done lots of favors for me since his death and I still rely on his love and help.
Strangely, I saw the news of Jim’s passing on a commercial for St. Louis Cremation. But I’m so glad that I did. After meeting him at MAP, I would say he is one of the sweetest people ever. I always enjoyed meeting with him. Much love to his family.