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James Pryor Obituary
James H. "Jim" Pryor
SPRINGFIELD - James H. "Jim" Pryor, 91, a longtime Springfield resident, passed away Friday, March 29, 2013, at the Villa East in Sherman, IL.
He was born in St. Louis, MO, February 17, 1922, the son of Lee Roy and Lily E. Edmed Pryor. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 555 Battalion AAA from 1942-1946.
Jim married Lois Irene "Irene" Varns in St. Louis, January 2, 1942, and she survives. He is also survived by his children: Judy L. (husband, Kirby) Laughlin of Casper, WY, Jay L. (wife, Lerona) Pryor of Waterloo, IL, Lee F. "Frank" (companion, Pat LaPorte) Pryor and Dennis W. "Denny" (wife, Mary) Pryor both of Springfield. Jim has 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren, with another arrival in May. There are several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ernest; a sister Julia Potter; and a grandson, Timothy Pryor.
Upon returning from his military service, Jim worked at Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing in Springfield. He left there to become the owner and operator of Pryor Trucking Co. from 1959-1998. After his retirement, he worked part-time as a security officer for Initial Security and later as a parts delivery driver for Central Illinois Truck Co.
Following Jim's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded by the Bisch Crematory. A private family memorial service will held at a later date with inurnment in Camp Butler National Cemetery, with full military honors.
To read Jim's complete obituary, please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Springfield Seventh Day Adventist Church, 3300 W. Jefferson, Springfield, IL 62707
Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield, IL 62703; 217-544-5424.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Pryor
Bob Seifert
April 28, 2013
My father, John Seifert, was a member of unit 414L. We are sorry for your loss.
Shelly and James (Slessor)Hancock
April 10, 2013
So sorry for your loss. May God be with your family in these tough times.
Brad & Barb Harshaw
April 4, 2013
Pryors: Jim will be missed and fond memories or growing up on MacArther Blvd. Prayers and condelences to all the family.
Brad & Barb Harshaw
Rhonda Fickas
April 3, 2013
Frank I'm so sorry about your dad...it's been a long time since Ive seen you. you may not even remember me,Ron Hohimers daughter. Take care of you!
April 3, 2013
Condolences to the Pryors. Jim & Doris Clark
Judy Bezjak
April 2, 2013
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Mr. Pryor's passing. We were able to visit with him in the banquet room of the Residence Inn in Washington, D.C. during our Veterans Day 2006 visit to the White House. It was then that Mr Pryor became emotional and revealed that his close buddy in the 555 AAA during WWII was my father, Andy Bezjak. I am sure a happy reunion has taken place in Heaven.
Rose and Judy Bezjak
April 2, 2013
I admired and respected Jim so much - he was larger than life and I was crazy about him (the entire Pryor family, actually). I've often thought of Jim and you, Irene, very fondly through the years - you were so good to me.
respectfully,
Traci Albrecht Ondrey
Nicole Cumby
April 1, 2013
I miss you so much PaPa.I'm so thankful for the time i got to spend with you and that you also got to meet and know Michael Timothy.I will cherish the memories,stories you have told,and lessons i have learned from you.Michael and i will always love you and miss you deeply.
Jami Pryor
April 1, 2013
I love you Grandpa and miss you terribly. A girl is never too old to look to her grandpa for unmatched love and wisdom.
Jewel Bishop
April 1, 2013
You'll always be my favorite uncle and will be greatly missed.
Jami Pryor
April 1, 2013
I love you grandpa and miss you terribly.
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