James L Prack

Jim had multiple health issues that he battled boldly for many years. But he never wavered from his love for family and friends, or his sense of humor. He spent his final months at Rose Lane Nursing and Rehabilitation facility where he received great care and built special relationships with many of his nurses and therapists.

Jim was born in Akron on October 13, 1948 to parents Elizabeth and Adam Prack. He was the youngest of eight children (albeit only 15 minutes younger than his twin sister Alice). Jim graduated from Hower Vocational High School in 1966 where he studied auto mechanics in their trade program. He had a brilliant mechanical mind that enabled him to be able to repair, fix or assemble just about any project that came his way. He truly was a “jack-of-all-trades” and a generous mentor who readily taught others to be able to be handy themselves.

Drafted in 1968, Jim used his mechanical abilities to bravely serve our country in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic. He received several commendations for his service: the Bronze Star Medal, NDSM (National Defense Service Medal for serving honorably on active duty); 2 O/S Bars (Two Overseas Service Bars for Federal service in a war zone or hostile theater); SPS M-14 (Sharp shooter of a M-14 rifle); EXP M-16 (Expert with an M-16 rifle); VSM (Vietnam Service Medal); VCG w/PALM (Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, awarded by the Republic of Vietnam); VCM (Vietnam Campaign Medal). Jim was honorably discharged January 13, 1970. The effects of Vietnam were long lasting, including those on his family relationships. However, Jim never lost his kind and generous spirit. He remained loyal to everyone who knew him and had deep friendships that lasted decades.

At the time of his deployment, Jim was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. That is where he married his first love, and first wife, Ruth Watson on May 2, 1970. Together they had one child, Cindy, in 1973. In 1994 Cindy married Eric Preston who immediately became Jim’s son, mentee and comrade.

Jim’s life was transformed with the birth of his first grandchild, Samantha in 1998 and then his grandson Andrew in 2001. Samantha and Andrew brought joy, purpose and grounding to Jim’s life. And he was their beloved “Pa” who was always a good sport and fun presence in everything from dancing with Barney at a birthday party, to Boo at the Zoo, to building a swing set. Nothing was off limits. He came with energy, smiles and usually a bag of special snacks.

Jim spent most of his career working for Arlington Auto wrecking where he was an automotive dismantler to recycle car parts. After retirement he continued to serve his community with joy and humility. In the early 2000’s he babysat for a women’s Bible study group Cindy was in where he quickly became the beloved “Mr. Jim” to the children. He was also a fill in for Eric when he couldn’t make Indian Princess or Indian Guides weekends, or other events, with Samantha and Andrew. He supported every activity they were in, and quickly became known simply as “Pa” throughout the community.

Jim loved fishing by himself or with friends, but often with his mom Elizabeth who was as proficient with a pole and a worm as her son. Jim’s happy place was always in a garage tinkering with cars. “Willard” was the north star in the 1980’s for many friends to hang out, work on cars, watch the game, and put back a few cold ones. He continued to love to spend time in Eric’s garage, but in later years mostly as a supervisor rather than active participant.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Adam and Elizabeth Prack, sister Katherine, and brothers Adam “Sonny” Prack Jr., John Prack, and Tom Prack.

Jim is survived by his daughter Cindy Preston (Eric), granddaughter Samantha Preston, grandson Andrew Preston, brother Bill Prack, and sisters Arlene Carlin (Jim) and Alice Strickler (George). Additionally, James leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and so many treasured friends.

Jim was able to live his final years with dignity, peace and growing closer to Jesus through his faith. He considered Lakeside Christian Church his spiritual family even though his physical limitations made it difficult to attend in person services. He was very grateful for the prayers, meals and visits over the years, as well as the ability to watch online when he could. He became passionate about Lakeside’s ministries and missions, and it brought him great joy to be able to support them.

Visitation will be held at Lakeside Christian Church, 3535 Knollwood Lane, Akron, OH 44333 on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm. The Funeral Service will also be held at Lakeside Christian Church on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11:00am followed by a procession to Copley Cemetery, 3772 Copley Road, Copley, OH 44321. The service at the church on Saturday can also be viewed online through Lakeside’s website at https://boxcast.tv/view/memorial-service-for-james-prack-nefmm1xha0krx0udjrif or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/nzC_VhiNFBc.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Lakeside Christian Church’s ongoing ministries and missions, or the American Cancer Society.