James R. Pryke Obituary (1946 - 2021)

Mary Kuberek '70 posted a photo:

Mary Kuberek '70 said:

James Richard Pryke, age 74, of Sedona, Arizona passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, February 26, 2021 after a valiant fight with Skin Cancer. Author, poet, singer, musician, editor, teacher, student, counselor, philanthropist, spiritual leader, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather he brought light and love into the lives of many. Born in 1945 Jim immigrated to the United States to Carnegie, PA where he grew up with his younger brother Tom, and his younger sister Pat. He graduated from Indiana University Pennsylvania in January 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. While volunteering at a local special needs camp he met the love of his life, Sandra Good and they began their life as husband and wife in July 1969 where they both taught in the Burrell school district. Jim became a father in 1974 to a daughter, Joy, and a year later they welcomed their son, Jonathan. Jim was an active member of the Puckety Presbyterian church choir and in a community barbershop quartet. Jim and his wife began their love of dancing in Pittsburgh with Ballroom and country line dancing and spent many hours together on the dance floor. Both Jim and his wife were active in the community and the church. Jim retired in 1999 from teaching French and English at Burrell High school where he was lovingly known as ‘Monsieur Pryke’ giver of the best French themed Christmas parties. In 1999, Jim and Sandra moved to Sedona, Arizona in order to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Jim and Sandra were active members of the community where they worked and volunteered together until Sandra passed in 2015 after sharing 45 years of marriage. Jim’s irrepressible spirit continued on after Sandra’s passing through participating and eventually leading in grief counseling classes, church classes, supporting local artists, writing and publishing a children’s storybook, and soon became known and loved as “Dancing Jim” through his many exploits participating in and teaching West Coast Swing. He also participated in many local marathons and hikes, and several philanthropic enterprises as well. James is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Helen Pryke, his wife Sandra, and his son-in-law John “Jack” Cooper. Survived by his brother and sister, his daughter and son, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Jim was cremated by Beuler Funeral Home in Sedona, Arizona and his ashes will be spread together with his wife Sandra in a small family-only ceremony