Obituary of James Prior

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James “Jim” Prior, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 31, 2025, at the age of 87.

Jim was born on September 23, 1937, in Drumbrick, County Leitrim, Ireland to Thomas Andy and Mary (Darcy) Prior. 

 He emigrated to America and arrived in New York in 1957.  Jim worked until 1959 in the New York Carpenters Union; it was here he learned a skill that he utilized and carried with him throughout his life.   A year later brought him to Orange NJ where he met the love of his life Catherine “Kay” O’Gara. They were married in 1960 and quickly started their family welcoming their first of seven children…. the legacy began. They were married for over 60 years, raising their family and later adding grandchildren to their home of 54 years in West Orange NJ. 

He was a proud union member for the international Union of Operating Engineers Local 68 for over 50 years, spending most of his career as a Lead Engineer for Anheuser Busch in Newark NJ.  

 He and his wife were long time members and supporters of St John’s Church in Orange, NJ. His faith was especially important to him, and he often blessed you with holy water as you left his home and you could be assured, he would say a prayer for you.

Jim was a member and supporter of the Irish American Society of the Oranges, The Friendly Sons of Shillelagh Club, and the West Orange Elks. 

He was an avid golfer, only slowing down in recent years.  He liked to walk the course, never played from the senior tees and thoroughly enjoyed the game. He and Kay were fortunate to play year-round as they were snowbirds for over 20 years at their home in Clearwater, Florida, 

Jim never forgot his home in Ireland and made several trips over the years to see his family, saying each time it was harder to say goodbye. He loved calls from his brother Tom, checking in on all the family, asking about the old neighbors the weather and would provide us all the updates. He loved America and was grateful for the life he had yet never had forgotten his home.

He was a loyal, honest man and was always willing to lend a hand to help out. He would be the first to arrive when his kids purchased homes and start working on whatever project that was needed.

He had an incredible work ethic and loved to work. He was loyal and firm in his beliefs, he would give advice when asked and if you did not, he might offer it anyway in a no-nonsense type of manner.

He lived a well lived life and recognized that he was fortunate, although his greatest pain was losing his wife Kay in 2020; he was heartbroken ever since.  With his passing, we are comforted knowing that he and Kay are reunited again, along with one of his greatest fans, his grandson Kyle.

Devoted father of Thomas (Tommy), James (Jimmy), John and his wife Katrina, Harold, Kevin and his wife Alma , Brian and Sally Ann.

Loving grandfather to Jim, Johnny, Shaunie (Rian), Kelly, Kyle (deceased), Jessica, Alicia, Morgan, Ashley, Kevin, Aidan and Colin. Great grandfather to Mack, Finn and Brody.

Survived by this brother Thomas Prior and wife Marie, predeceased by his sisters Mary Varilly and Anna Bohan.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4pm-8pm at Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street West Orange, NJ.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday September 5, 2025, at 10:00am at St John’s Church 94 Ridge Street, Orange, NJ.

** a live feed to watch the funeral will be provided, a link will be updated

Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jim’s charitable manner, please pay it forward and give to someone less fortunate than yourself.