James Truett Praytor

James Truett Praytor passed away June 11, 2023 at his home in Flower Mound, TX. He was born in Lindale, TX on January 28, 1943 to the late Rev. Truett Cecil Praytor and the late Frances Emma (Christian) Praytor. James married the love of his life, Lynda Kay (Miller) Praytor on June 11, 1966. The two raised their sons, Jim and Jay, in Lindale until they all relocated to Coppell, TX in 1985 where James and Lynda remained Coppell residents for over 30 years until moving to Flower Mound, TX a few years ago. As a young boy, James always had a thirst for knowledge and as he got older, had a calling to the field of education. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree, a Master’s degree in Education and his Administrative Certification, all of which he would use for the next 30 years as a coach, a teacher, and a principal in the Lindale and Carrollton-Farmers Branch school districts. He had a reputation for being a strict teacher, but former students say that he was also respected and admired because everything he did was out of love. James was very proud of his family and never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. Whether it was a softball tournament in 100 degree weather, a cold and rainy football game, a middle school choir concert, a little league soccer game, an award ceremony, a birthday celebration…it didn’t matter. If it involved his grandchildren, he was there, in the audience, the stands or on the sidelines, cheering them on. James loved socializing and was a talker who never met a stranger. For years, he spent his mornings at the local McDonald’s having coffee and conversation with a group of his buddies. They would visit and talk religion, politics, family, community and solve the world’s problems together. It was something he looked forward to and something that led to many cherished friendships among the “coffee talk” group. James was a true believer and an active follower of Christ. He and Lynda were both involved at their church where James often led and taught Sunday School classes. Over the years, he and Lynda has called a few church communities “home”, starting with Damascus Baptist Church in Lindale and their current church, Temple Baptist Church of Flower Mound. James never missed an opportunity to spread God’s word, especially to his children and grandchildren. Christmas presents weren’t opened until he read about the story of Jesus’s birth, straight from his bible. Easter eggs weren’t hunted until the Passion of Christ had been discussed. Not a single meal was eaten without first giving honor and glory to the Lord for all of the blessings he had bestowed upon James and his family. James live his life in such a way that those who knew him, knew he was a Christian. He shared his love of the Lord with all those he met. He was a “good and faithful servant” and is now Home. James is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lynda Kay (Miller) Praytor; his son, Jim Praytor, his wife, Stephanie along with grandson, Dakota; son Jay Praytor, his wife, Amy , along with grandsons, Truett and Dub and grand-daughters, Emma and Lydia. He is also survived by his sister, Marsha (Praytor) Brown and her family, and Janet (Praytor) Jones and her family. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 17th at Caudle Rutledge Funeral Home in Lindale, TX. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Funeral services will start at 11:00 am, followed by the burial. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to “World Vision”. James and Lynda have supported World Vision all of their married life.

James Truett Praytor

January 28, 1943 - June 11, 2023