Obituary of Jerold Yale Prager

Jerold Yale Prager, 80, of Dallas, TX passed away surrounded by loved ones on June 14, 2023 after a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia.

Jerold was born on July 11th, 1942 to Robert and Ruth (Sadowsky) Prager in Big Spring, Texas. After graduating from Wichita Falls High School, he went on to study accounting at The University of Texas at Austin where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity.

While in Austin, Jerold met Patricia Rae Argo in 1961. Three years later, they were the first wedding officiated at Agudas Achim Synagogue in Austin, TX.

In 1966, Jerold and Patti purchased their first and only home, when they moved to Dallas, TX with their first of four sons, Howard Isaac Prager. Howard was followed by Richard Craig, Samuel Jay, and Edward Michael, who all grew up in the same house, which they recently sold in 2021.

Jerold was an intelligent individual who had an extensive vocabulary from his love of reading. His passion for reading came from hours of work in the public library, only to find out years later that his mother was paying the librarian to compensate him – she was a genius! Jerold was bright and had no fear, which made him a beautiful and eloquent speaker.

Jerold’s career started off at UT Southwestern Medical School in 1966 where he worked as an Accountant for 10 years. In 1977, Jerold started a restoration construction company called Professional Construction where he worked through 1985, until he found his true passion – youth baseball!

After years of coaching youth baseball, Jerold took over as Director of Baseball Operations for North Dallas Chamber Baseball in 1985. As director, Jerold re-created and rejuvenated the youth baseball community in Dallas. If one league wasn't enough, he also became the President of the Dallas Amateur Baseball Associations (DABA) in 1992. In his time as president of the DABA, Jerold grew Dallas amateur baseball to a new level. His leadership allowed players to continue their passion for baseball after high school. Some of his former players include Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford, and MLB outfielder and Olympian Calvin Murray. He led both leagues till 2018.

Anyone who knew Jerold knew that he was the most loving husband, father and grandfather a family could ask for. Jerold was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruth. He is survived by wife Patti, his sons Howard, Richard, Sam, Michael, his daughters-in-law Cori, Sandy, Annette, Shannon, his brother David and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ronnie and Barbra Argo. He lives on in his grandchildren Alexis, Jacob, Ryan, Avery, Robert, Samantha, Hunter, Hannah and Emily.

A service to celebrate Jerold’s life was held on Thursday, June 15 at Temple Emanu-El Dallas followed by a graveside burial at Sparkman-Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorials and donations may be directed to the Baylor AT&T Memory Center by visiting dallasfoundation.bswhealth.com/ways-to-give/donate and designating Baylor AT&T Memory Center in the drop down menu.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all those who have helped make Jerold comfortable through the end of his life. Including, but not limited to, Dr. Claudia Padilla at Baylor Scott & White, Karen Jennings at Baylor AT&T Memory Care Center and The Dallas Chapter of The Alzheimer’s Association, Paul Markowitz at Senior Living Specialists, Olivia Griffith at Medical City McKinney Behavioral Health, Michael Knight at Arden Courts, Bryan Levy at Cambridge Caregivers, Samantha Hankerd, and the entire team at The T. Boone Pickens Center at Faith Presbyterian Hospice Center.