James L. Jim Prause

James L. "Jim" Prause, age 78, of Aquilla, passed away late Tuesday morning, December 30, 2014 at Quality Care in Waco. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2015 at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. John Crowder officiating. Graveside services will be held 3:30 p.m. Monday at Wortham Bend Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Jim was born July 16, 1936 in Valley Mills, the son of James "Dutch" and Vera (Bryant) Prause. He attended University High School and graduated from Spartan Aeronautical Institute in Oklahoma. Jim served his country during the Korean Conflict with the United States Air Force. He also served in the Texas Army National Guard. On February 8, 1960 he was united in marriage to Nelda Smith in Waco. Nelda preceded him in death on September 28, 2013. Jim worked as a flight engineer for 17 years and was a rancher for most of his life. He was member of RVOS Lodge in West. He enjoyed traveling and taking care of his dogs. Jim is also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gilbert Prause, Sammy Prause and Danny Prause; and sisters, Mavis Rible and Naida Yarbrough. Survivors include a son, James R. Prause and wife Khristal of Peoria; a daughter, Katrina Esterly and husband Michael of Franklin, VA; brother, David Prause; sisters, Alvena Pocock and Gloria Helleson; grandchildren, J. Russell Prause Jr. and Patience DeLoach and husband Shane; great-granddaughter, Chloe Prause; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Eddie Morris, Jonathan Morris, Emmanuel Mitchell, Dwight Jackson, Harry Svacek and Russell Prause. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Rest Haven Disaster Relief Fund.