Jim Priestly, KA1LIK
 Now SK

Jim was a Navy veteran who saw service during WWII and was an avid ham and a valuable member of FARA since 1984. He was the embodiment of what everyone thinks of when they think ham radio operator. Jim was also the consummate “Elmer” and, during his lifetime as a ham, was always deeply involved in attracting and teaching others all about our hobby and spreading the infection that is ham radio to the uninitiated. If ever there was a super salesman for the concept and practice of ham radio, it was him. Jim was also a vital and active member of FARA who was always looking for ways to help the club spread the gospel of ham radio every chance he could. He rarely missed a meeting and always had suggestions for the club to spread the word throughout the community, many of which we put into practise at his urgings.

 He had an almost religious zeal about CW and was an accomplished brass pounder. In fact, Jim was the last person to take and pass the 20 words per minute Extra Class code test at one of our VE sessions just before the CW requirement for all classes of license was dropped to 5 words per minute. In short, Jim earned a “real” extra class license. I don’t think I ever saw anyone more delighted and relieved after he was told that he had passed. He was also an avid traffic handler and well known to other members of the National Traffic System for years, handling both phone and CW traffic with equal ease. And who could miss Jim at Field Day every year without fail. Rain or shine, Jim always showed up and even in the past few years when he was saddled with an oxygen tank, he was still there, wrenches in hand, ready to help out with whatever needed doing. Jim also was a participant in most all special events we ever ran, always looking for an opportunity to spread the gospel.

 There will always be a fondness in FARA’s heart for Jim and he will always be remembered as a vital member of the ham and FARA community.

 73 Jim, we’ll all miss you – AR – SK