James Priestap
Sergeant First Class, United States Army National Guard
June 2, 1967 – November 23, 2006
Age – 39
Harwood, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
46th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, Kingsford, MI
He died of injuries suffered when he came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during checkpoint operations in Baghdad, Iraq
Sgt. 1st Class James D. Priestap of Harwood, Michigan was a 1985 graduate of North Dickinson High School, where he played football. Jim was always upbeat about everything he did and was very passionate about playing sports and always went full force as a natural leader. His career included work as a deputy in Sarasota, Fla., a police officer at the Iron Mountain Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, and a deputy for the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department. He also served to support Hurricane Katrina victims. Jim also enjoyed hunting.
Sergeant First Class James D Priestap was a platoon leader for his Army National Guard unit in Baghdad, Iraq when he was shot and killed instantly by a sniper bullet in the heart on our Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2006. Jim left a wife, Connie, and two children, Frankie (girl then 10) and son Brody (boy then 8).
Jim was known as being extremely active and like a “pied piper” with kids. Jim’s sister Lisa has 4 boys that adored Jim, as did his own two. When Jim would drive into Lisa’s yard the boys would all go running for him. He was a “big kid” because he loved playing with them so much. Jim’s arrival meant FUN, like building a snow fort complete with Christmas lights. Ironically, 10 minutes before Jim was killed he was photographed by one of his men handing out candy to Iraqi kids….and as per usual when being with kids Jim had a big grin on his face
Jim was a Navy diver and later scuba diver, small plane pilot, deputy sheriff, welder, and very into fitness.
He was remembered by fellow soldiers with the following words.
June 9, 2022
SFC PRIESTAP was my platoon sgt. He took great care of us and got us extra protection for our vehicles in Iraq. He is my brother in arms and every Thanksgiving, I wake up to his memories. He gave me my nickname ROOSTER. I will always and forever remember him. He is my HERO. I RETIRED FROM THE MILITARY AFTER OVER 25 1/2 years on December 31st,2020. I was a better soldier and person because of him. If anybody can tell me where he is buried at, I want to pay him my respects to him. I reside in Savannah, GA. RIP my brother.
SPC ALAN JOYAL
April 17, 2007
Jim,
Your actions that day where exactly what I would expect from you. You where the true example of an NCO. You always placed your Soldiers needs above your own, even up to the very end. I am glad I had the opportunity to work with you while you were a member of the Florida National Guard. I wish your family the best. May they move forward knowing that you were a guiding light to those around you, and an inspriation to all. God Speed my friend. God Speed.
Christopher Barton
December 9, 2006
I’ll never forget 23NOV2006 for the rest of my life. I am deployed with the 46th mp co and SFC Priestap was my first platoon sergeant and was the best example of a true soldier that I have ever seen. He watched out for us all like we were family. He was always placing the needs of others before his own. He was a true leader. He told me once decent leader will say “go” but a great leader will tell you ” let’s go”. SFC Priestap did not have to be out on mission that day but he put the needs of others before his own again. I’ll never forget you SFC James Priestap “SFC P” neither will the 46th.
SPC Matt Adams