James Prough

STOUGHTON - James "Jim" Kay Prough, 88, of Stoughton, WI, passed on March 28th, 2019, surrounded by family.

James was born to Frank and Gertrude Prough, June 18th, 1930, in Carrollton, Ill. He graduated from Jerseyville High School in 1948 and received a Bachelor of Arts from Milton College in 1976. He married Donna Olson in 1957 and they spent 62 loving years together having raised 4 children.
He is survived by his wife Donna; daughters Joni Prough, Judy (Dale) Eggen; son Chris Prough, all of Stoughton. He is also survived by his four grandchildren; Lindsay, Kelly, Matt, and Collin; three great-grandchildren Nora, Jason and Lily; brother Tom Prough of Madison; sisters Wanda Rusk, of St. Louis and Sue Cooke, of Clearwater Florida; special cousin Joann and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Curt Prough; parents Frank and Gertrude; brothers Gordon, Jack, Frank Jr, and Spencer.
James enlisted in the 173rd Field Brigade in 1951. He dedicated 37 years of service in the Army National Guard and retired as a Brigadier General in 1988. In 2008, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall of Honor.
James was active in sports growing up, having participated in semi-pro football, softball, and basketball. He was an accomplished fastpitch softball player who was famous for his several homeruns during a game. He also spent many years as a referee for many of Wisconsin's local sports. James and his wife Donna were loyal Cubs fans and never missed a game. He also enjoyed watching the Badgers and Packers. He was an avid reader and always had a book in his pocket or hand. He was proud of and dedicated to his family and was known for being generous, loving, and selfless.
A visitation will be held at Crest Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect St. Stoughton on Wednesday April 3, 2019 from 5pm - 7pm, and from 10am until the funeral on Thursday at church. A Funeral service will be held at COVENANT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1525 N. Van Buren St. Stoughton on Thursday April 4, 2019 at 11am with Rev. Dr. Sara Rabe presiding. A lunch will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to Stoughton MARC at 923 N Page St, Stoughton, WI 53589.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
206 W Prospect St. Stoughton
608-873-9244