James C. 'Jim' Priest

James C. Priest, age 64, of Cheshire entered into rest peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at the West Haven VA Hospital after a long illness. Jim was born on April 8, 1951 in New Haven, son of Mary Agnes (Beausoleil) Priest and the late Raymond Francis Priest.

Jim served his country with pride and honor in the US Marine Corp during Vietnam, and was awarded the Purple Heart among other medals. He was a member of the Prospect VFW, Post 8075, and enjoyed riding his 1972 Harley Super Glide, which he took cross country several times. Jim lived his life to the fullest and loved his family and work, he was renowned and deeply respected for his work and construction of bridges in CT with several leading construction companies.

In addition to his mother, Jim is survived by his son, Seth A. Priest of Meriden; his wife and trusted friend, Regina Rossi Priest and step-son, Anthony J. Zurowski, III of Cheshire. He is the loving grandfather of Colby, Madison and Ethan. Jim is also survived by his brothers; John Priest and his wife Patricia of Cheshire; Raymond Priest of Branford, Matthew Priest and his wife Jeanette of FL; his sisters; Frances Smith and her husband Michael of FL; Kathlyn Johnson and her husband Robert of FL; Maureen Rigney of Danbury; Laura Brennan and her husband Rick of Cheshire; Susan Tabor and her husband Jim of Cheshire and Mary Vosburg and her husband Jeff of FL; 12 nieces, 8 nephews, 7 great nieces and 7 great nephews. He was predeceased by his son Tanner J. Priest and his step daughter Angela Rossi Andersen.

All services for Jim will be private and at the convenience of his family. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire has been entrusted with his arrangements. At the request of his family, memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or through their website www.woundedwarriorproject.org