James Priest

James Priest, age 77 of Dunkirk, husband of Julia Thurber passed away peacefully Sunday March 2nd in Charleston, South Carolina from natural causes. 

He was born January 8th, 1948 in Shaler Township Pennsylvania, the son of Lillian Ann and Morris Priest. 

 Survivors include his wife Julia Thurber; daughters Ondean W. Notestone (Paul) and Heather M. Priest (John); a brother Daniel G Priest (Deborah) of Owego NY along with Julia’s children: Melissa (Stephen) Spaulding and Andrew (Andrea) Thurber. James is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Lyndsey Clemson (Brandon), Darris (Hunter) Popielarz, Chelsea Santiago, Edmond, Evan (Winter), Nathan and Julia Camp; Elizabeth and Linnea Spaulding, Brianna, Grayson, and Sawyer Thurber. He was preceded in death by his wife Gayle S. Priest, sisters Linda Strong, Deborah Bailey and brother Dennis Priest. 

A graduate of Dunkirk High School, in 1965 he joined the U.S. Navy serving from 1965 to 1969 where he trained in Naval electronics and radars. James spent time on both coasts and in Europe while serving on an aircraft carrier and two destroyers. After leaving the Navy James worked for Costello music as a TV service technician for four years while taking several home study electronics courses even building his own color television. He also attended the Wurlitzer organ technician training in Pittsburgh, PA. 

The majority of career was spent in the Nestle Purina PetCare Plant in Dunkirk, NY. He served Nestle in several capacities, as electrician, production supervisor, maintenance supervisor, control projects manager and Senior Engineer. James continued to further his education by attending Jamestown Community College and SUNY Fredonia where he received his computer science degree. James retired from Nestle after 37 years as Senior Staff Engineer. He loved cars, playing pool, music, learning to play guitar, boating and traveling.

 In his spare time, he loved helping others solve problems and could most likely be found working on the boat or tinkering with something in the garage. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, friends and long walks with his wife, Julia. 

Service arrangements will be made at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in James' honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or to any charity of your choosing.

Services and care have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, 843-722-8371.