Dr. James S. Prawat, DDS, MSD

July 16, 1937 — April 4, 2025

Dr. James Steven Prawat DDS, MSD, 87, passed away on April 4, 2025, in Greenwood, Indiana.

Born on July 16, 1937, in South Bend, Indiana, James pursued a distinguished career in dentistry and orthodontics. Prior to attending dental school, he worked for Uniroyal as a chemist where he created adhesives, earning four patents for the company. He completed his dental school requirements at Indiana University, South Bend, before continuing his education at Indiana University Dental School, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1973. He served as vice-president of his junior class and as a student council member during his senior year in dental school. He was a member of the Psi Omega dental fraternity, and served as secretary and president while in dental school. During his senior year he received the Psi Omega fraternal achievement award. In 1981 he went to China as a member of the Indiana University Dental School official delegation touring Chinese dental schools and facilities. He completed the Orthodontics Residency Program at Albert Einstein-Montefiore College of Medicine in 1991. He went back to Indiana University Dental School and finished his Master of Science Dentistry (MSD) degree in 1994.

Dr. Prawat dedicated his professional life to improving the smiles and confidence of his patients. He practiced dentistry in Okanogan, Washington, for 14 years before transitioning to orthodontics, which he practiced in Richmond, Indiana, for 18 years. His commitment to excellence and patient care left a lasting impact on those he served.

James was a strong believer in serving the community. During his years in Okanogan, Washington he was a member of the local Kiwanis club. He eagerly participated in local fundraising, helping to fund and hands-on build additional school facilities. He served as president of the local Chamber of Commerce. He was a founding member of the Sunny Okanogan Festival Association (SOFA), an organization dedicated to promoting Sunny Okanogan Days, a weeklong festival in Okanogan, Washington. He built a float for the festival and would drive it to local communities to raise awareness for the event.

Beyond his professional achievements, James was happily married and devoted to his wife of 67 years, Carole. He was a loving father to their children: Steven, Dr. Scott DDS and children Danielle and Juliette, Stephanie (Todd) and children Brandon (Sara), Ashley, David and Christopher, Suzan (John) and children Austin, Brittany (Thomas) and Connor, Stuart (Aimee) and children Lillian, Chloe and Natalie, and Stacey (Michael) and children Caden, Samantha, Taylor and Elise. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Hannah, Noah, Madelyn and Jude. His family was central to his life, and he took great pride in their accomplishments and happiness.

Among James many hobbies, he enjoyed Notre Dame football, travel and camping, baking bread, fishing, piloting, refinishing furniture, working on cars, singing in his church choir and building his own home. His homemade bread and pizza were a particular family favorite.

James was preceded in death by his wife Carole (Walz) and by his parents Walter and Lillian (Urbanski) Prawat, his sister Rosemarie (Szuba) and brothers Ralph and Joseph.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East, located at 10722 East Washington Street in Indianapolis, Indiana from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Memorial services will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 11 AM in Richmond, Indiana at St. Mary’s Catholic church, 720 N. “A” St., Richmond, IN 47374. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be sent to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Dr. James Prawat’s legacy as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, dentist, and orthodontist will be cherished by those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.