James H. Priest

James was born March 11, 1933 in Niles, Michigan, the son of Gladys and Jack Priest. He was the youngest of the six children. They had sticks for toys and walked ten miles in six feet of snow, which he enjoyed sharing these stories with his children.

The family later moved to East Chicago where he received good grades and was on a first name basis with the truant officer. He excelled in the print shop and that became his first job.

Jim entered the U. S. Navy in 1952. He worked in the print shop. He sailed on the USS Oriskany to Japan and around Africa. He credited the Navy for “straightening him out”.

Upon returning to the States, Jim met Alice Pilarczyk. They fell in love and were married on September 3, 1955. They lived in Hammond, Indiana. Jim and Alice had two daughters, Joy and Holly. Jim loved family life and took his family on numerous vacations, which always included a historic battleground. He made sure they saw many cannons pointing at each other. In his family’s words, “He dragged us to every battlefield that he could find.” The family also enjoyed numerous picnics, blueberry picking, and exploring sand dunes.

Jim made every Christmas magical. This always included a Christmas tree with the entire room filled with a Snow Village displayed underneath the tree. This was the cats’ favorite place to sleep.

Jim worked at repairing tank cars throughout his life and eventually was promoted to Superintendent. His job took his family to Overland Park, Kansas in 1970 and then to Bryan, Texas in 1974. He loved Texas, as it was “never too hot”. He enjoyed attending Texas A&M Football games.

Jim retired at the age of 60. He and Alice traveled all over the United States. He had numerous interests, including woodworking, gardening, building ship models, football, making extra hot chili, and sitting on the porch.

Jim was preceded in death in 2013 by Alice, his wife of 57 years. Jim reunited with Lois O’Donnell. They traveled and shared memories. Jim was also preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings.

He leaves behind his two daughters, Joy and Holly, who will miss him dearly; his grandchildren, Ashlee and Matt Marucci, Lance Marucci, Katie and Hudson Jaymes, and Jonathon Robbins; his great-grandchildren, Myles Marucci and Amelia Jaymes; as well as, numerous family including Timmy and Patty Pilarczyk, David Pilarczyk, Kathleen O’Donnell and Cynthia Whitfield.

Jim’s life will be celebrated and remembered at a graveside service at 11 am, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Bryan City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family of James H. Priest asks you consider a donation to the Brazos Valley Veteran’s Memorial Fund.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralchapelbryan.com for the Priest family.