James Arthur Prior

James Arthur Prior, Saint Augustine, Florida, age 91, passed away peacefully after a short illness, on May 29, 2025. He was born September 21, 1933, in Cheboygan, Michigan to the late William Arthur Prior and Dorthy (Greene) Prior.
Jim, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all that had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth left his family and friends many memories. Summers spent at the family home at Point Nipigon in Northern Michigan, the Golf course, Par Mor, that Jim and his father Art, built, boating trips with his wife Patricia on their boat The Priority II, and good times at his beloved ranch in St Augustine, Florida, and he especially enjoyed restoring corvettes and tinkering on his 1933 hot rod coupe which he loved racing. Although Jim's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us.
After his graduation from Eastern High School and studies at Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan, he was drafted and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany and traveled throughout Europe. Jim married Alice (Shier) Prior in 1954, and they had three sons. They later divorced. He married Patricia Moore in 1987, and they celebrated 38 years of marriage on April 18th.
Jim had a successful lifelong profession in Auto Body Repair. He built, operated, and owned, Priority Auto Body, INC., in Dewitt, Michigan. He enjoyed the work and the people he encountered during the 60 plus years of his career.
Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia Moore-Prior, St Augustine, Fl., his sons, Jeffrey (Theresa) Prior, E Lansing, Michigan, Timothy (Rebecca) Prior, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Thomas (Katie) Prior, Birmingham, Michigan, grandsons, Tyler, Andrew, Cameron, Brenton, Scott, Rob, and Ryan, Best friend, James Houghton as well as many other friends who will sadly miss him.
A Celebration of Life will be planned and announced at a later date.