James Arthur Pree

James Arthur Pree, loving husband, father, and brother, passed away at the age of 79 on April 24, 2022. James was born on July 18, 1942 in Lewisville, Arkansas to Ruthie Mae Wyatt Pree and Jordan Pree. He attended primary and high school in Texarkana, Arkansas where he was raised before attending Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He then moved to Gary, Indiana where he worked at a steel mill before becoming an Industrial Arts teacher at Froebel High School. In Gary he met the love of his life, Yolanda Moxley at a dance and they married on June 27, 1970. The two young adventurers moved and lived in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany where James taught Industrial Arts at the Ramstein Air Base High School. While in Germany, James pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. James and Yolanda lived in Germany for eleven years and welcomed two daughters, Jamila and Lateefah. James also pursued and completed a Masters of Counseling from Ball State University. The Pree Family moved back to the U.S. to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1983 and James began teaching at North Central High School and later Westlane Middle School.

James had a passion for cooking, photography, traveling, working with young people, and teaching. Despite his busy life, nothing was more important than being a great father and supportive husband. In retirement, his perfect day was spent working outside in his garden or finishing woodworking projects and other DIY projects at home.

James was charismatic, good hearted, and never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed. The world is a little less bright without his smile and dimples. James was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother. His memory lives on through his wife, daughters, and sister.

Friends and family will be gathering at 10 am and the funeral will begin at noon on Friday May 6 at Greater Northwest Baptist Church – 3402 West 62^nd Street Indianapolis, IN, 46268. Following the service, James will be laid to rest at Washington Park North Cemetery – 2706 Kessler Boulevard West Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46228. Arrangements are being handled by Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North. Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Cancer Association at https://www.kidneycancer.org/ or the National Kidney Foundation at https://www.kidney.org