James Edward "Jim" Priest

GREENFIELD – James "Jim" Edward Priest, age 93, of Greenfield, passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, at Hancock Regional Hospital. He was born in Ligonier, Indiana on August 23, 1932, to Arthur and Gertrude (Serfus) Priest. He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1950. Mr. Priest served in the Navy during the Korean War. He retired from the Naval Reserve with the rank of Master Chief Boatswain's Mate. He married Bonnie (Wolf) Priest on October 10, 1953.

He worked for Eli Lilly in Greenfield as a Safety Director and retired in 1988, after more than 30 years of service. Mr. Priest was a member of the Greenfield Christian Church and the NRA. He loved to go fishing. He served as 4-H Leader and Fair Manager. He was also a member of the Greenfield Volunteer Fire Department for several years.

He is survived by his children, Mike (Cindy) Priest, Raena (Bill) Kingery, and Candy (Junior) Speas; grandchildren, Lydia (Ryan) Morris, James (Tiffany) Priest, Katherine (Stephan) Riley, Bryce (Sarah) Filson, Braydon (Bre) Edwards, and Laura (Robert) Holland; step-grandchildren, Ginger (David) Haley and Nick (Ileana) Richards;14 great-grandchildren; and special caregiver, Darrion Murphy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Priest; parents; sister, Sue Bennett; grandson, Michael Ryan Butler; and granddaughter, Katelyn Edwards.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held following the visitation, at 1:00 p.m. Burial and military honors will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your charity of choice.

Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.