Prager, James Leo, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2017, surrounded by family. Jim was born in Whittier, California on June 22, 1933, the only child of Peter and Minnetta Prager. The family settled in Santa Ana, California where Jim grew up and attended Santa Ana schools. After spending a year at Marquette University in Wisconsin he joined the U.S. Navy, where he was a corpsman. During this time he married his best girl Imogene. After the Navy, Jim and his bride moved to Los Angeles where he attended USC. Following graduation, he joined his father in the insurance business in Santa Ana. Jim and Imogene lived in Santa Ana for 20 years, and raised seven children. Jim was active in his community. He was a president of the Orange County Insurance Agents, and as a deeply religious man was a cofounder of the First Friday Friars, an organization which brings together Catholic business and professional men in Orange County, which is still going strong 59 years later.
His interest in wine was heightened through George Starky's wine classes at a local Orange County college. After several vacations to the Napa Valley, and discussions with his port mentor, the late Professor James Guymon, Jim moved his family to Saint Helena in 1977 and founded Prager Winery and Port Works in 1979, which has become the preeminent producer of Port style wines in the Napa Valley.
Jim's passion for wine and port was only exceeded by his love for his family. He was a loving son, devoted father, and a loyal and passionate husband.
Jim is survived by his cherished wife of 60 years Imogene, seven loving children and their spouses; Jeff (Roxanne), Peter (Karen), John (Carol), Mary (Richard), Katie (Kevin), Erica (Steve) and Julia (David); twenty- two treasured grandchildren and two beautiful great grandchildren.
A rosary will be held July 25 at 6:30PM and the funeral Mass will be July 26 at 10:00AM at the Saint Helena Catholic Church.
Jim supported his children and the children of the Napa Valley. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Boys and Girls Club. CLAFFEY & ROTA FUNERAL HOME