James William Prines

James William Prines passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, in Bartlesville, surrounded by his beloved wife of 66 years, Georgia, and many members of his loving family. He was 86 years old.James was born on September 4th, 1929 in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, to Otto August Prines and Margaret Bajusz Prines. His older siblings were Veronica and John and younger brother Robert. He joined the US Air Force in 1948 and was stationed at Vance Air Force Base near Enid, Oklahoma. He soon after met and married the love of his life Georgia Rae Cather of Pawnee, Oklahoma. During his distinguished career of 21 years James and Georgia moved multiple times with their four children Michael, Steven, Daniel and Carol. He was stationed at various Air Force Bases in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, and California. Two of his assignments were overseas in France and Great Britain. He retired in 1969 having achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant with many awards and commendations recognizing his outstanding service to our country. After retirement, James began his second career as a Technical Representative for the Pratt and Whitney aircraft engine division of the United Technology Corporation. During this time he saw the increase to his family of two lovely daughters in law, Susan Holtzapfel (Michael) and Christine Graham (Steven). While posted in Brussels, Belgium for five years he proudly imported into the family his "favorite" son in law, Dirk Dewachter (Carol). James retired from his second career in 1991 and moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma where he and Georgia happily remained to the present time. He spent much of his time in retirement building beautiful furniture for their home - his craftsmanship was unparalleled. James and Georgia were members of Saint James Catholic Church in Bartlesville. James particularly enjoyed traveling both abroad and in the United States. While not traveling and keeping up with current events, James attended and participated in many events involving his five grandchildren: Timothy; Rachel; Jonathan; Ashley and Megan. For his seven great grandchildren: Cara; Caleb; Abby; Alaina; Maera; Graham; and Ronan, he will always be known as "great father". He was a man of integrity, and was an excellent role model. He was very much loved and will be deeply missed by them and all of his family.Burial service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 27th, at the Pawnee Highland Cemetery. Officiating the service was  Father Chris Daigle, Services were entrusted to Poteet Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Friends can leave a memory for the family at www.poteetfuneralhome.com