James Priestap laid to rest

Friends and family gathered in Kingsford Monday to pay their last respects to Sergeant First Class Jim Priestap who was killed in Iraq on Thanksgiving.

His funeral was filled with joy and laughter, because the family said that was in keeping with Sergeant Priestap's fun-loving nature. He was a notorious practical joker.

But above all, his friends say, he was a good man who was serving his country.

"I think it makes people realize that war is not a pleasant thing," said Marvin Perdue of the Family Support Group. "But Mr. Priestap is a fallen hero. He was a good man and God bless our troops over there so we can all be free."

Sergeant Priestap was awarded a Purple Heart for sustaining injuries while on duty and a Bronze Star for his dedication to national security.

From WLUC 6

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