James E. Prehoda, Jr., age 81, of Largo, Florida died August 16, 2023, in hospice care following a short battle with cancer. He was born in Wilkinsburg, PA, the son of the late James E. Prehoda Sr. & Ruth McKinnon Prehoda. On July 24, 1976, he married Geri Kerr and together they shared 47 years of marriage. He is survived by his brother Robert J. Prehoda (Janice MacEvoy Prehoda) and two nieces Jeannine Prehoda Potosky (Mark) and Jacqueline Prehoda Chandler (Paul). He is also survived by 5 children, Jaimie Prehoda Cherok, Tracy Pioth Stanko (Tim Stanko), Rob Pioth (Norma Pioth), Rob Prehoda (Yvette Weber Prehoda) and Todd Prehoda. Jim was Grampy to Sean Cherok (Alissa), Adam Christner (Cathleen), Brett Cherok (Natalie), Cameron Pioth (Hayden) and Miranda Pioth. He was very proud of his five great-grandchildren: Harper Cherok, Max Cherok, Preston Cherok, Jaren Campman & Jaxon Christner.
Jim grew up with the “Cedar Street Gang” in Turtle Creek, PA and graduated from Turtle Creek High School. From there he entered the US Navy and served 2 years as a radarman aboard the USS Richard E. Kraus (DD849). He also served 1 year in the reserves. Jim graduated from California State College with a Bachelor of Education and continued his education by getting his master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He received a specialty certificate in Cooperative Education and taught special needs students for Eastern Area School and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. He was affectionately known there as “The Pre” for 32 years.
Jim was a member of Hillcrest Presbyterian Church for 45 years.
He and Geri retired to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1997 where they enjoyed many sunny days on the beach, eating lobster, and drinking martinis at their favorite beach bars. He was an avid bowler for many years and he and Geri were a part of several different leagues. Jim was a huge sports fan and never missed a Pittsburgh Steelers game or watching his alma mater Pitt. He joined his closest friends every Friday for the weekly “Board Meeting” at one of his favorite local bars. Every year he looked forward to his annual trip to Daytona Beach for Bike Week. Jim was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
A memorial service will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg in October.
My condolences to Geri, Bob and the family. Jim and I were 1960 classmates. He was always kind and friendly coming to most of our reunions as the years passed. His friendly smile will be missed. (Judy Thomas Pellegrino)
God be with all of you as you mourn the loss of Jim. I met Jim when I transitioned from St. Colman’s grade school in T.C. I really got to know him at the reunions. We both worked in Education. I worked as a Para at Woodland Hills with the Learning Support students. I looked forward to seeing him at reunions. We had many discussions about the Special Ed. Students. He was a good listener and we shared some funny stories about our students. He’s now in heaven preparing a way for us all. Many blessings to everyone. ❤️🙏
I remember Jim well. So sorry to hear of his passed. We were classmates at Turtle Creek. Surprised to hear he lived in St. Petersburg. Sue and I lived there as well but now live in Hudson past 23 years. I too am a teacher which is a rewarding career! Prayers for the family. 🙏🙏🙏
Sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I haven’t seen him in 60 or more years but have fond memories. Jim, Bob and their parent’s, Jim and Ruthie Prehoda who were childhood friends of my mother, Lizzie Robertson, will always have a place in my heart. Although I grew up in New York, as children we spent many hours together in the summers and who could forget the great volleyball games at Hillcrest? May the family find peace in all your memories.
Mr.prehoda, was a he nicest teacher at sunrise among my other teachers he was funny and tried to help us all weather it was finding a job or just someone who you could talk to he was a hard working teacher weather you had him or not.
Geri, our sympathies to you & entire family. We knew Jim through our Uncle Robin (Bob) McLean. My husband, Chuck, & I visited with Jim as we worked out in the gym when we stayed in FL every Feb. It was a special surprise to rediscover Jim there. He was a wonderful man, always smiling & talkative. (He got along great with Chuck for that reason). I know he will be missed by so many. Treasure your wonderful memories.
Jim was my best friend. We did a lot of side jobs as well as went to Bike week every year. He will be missed