James "Jim" or "Bubba" Durwin Priest, age 74, resident of Wasco, California died on September 10, 2016 at Mercy Hospital from complications of pneumonia and is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susanne. Jim was born on September 9, 1942 in Arkansas. He is predeceased by his parents Wilbur "Bill" Priest and Ruby Evelyn Nixon. He was a graduate of Wasco High, class of 1961 and went to Porterville College for 2 years where he played college football. He then moved to Van Nuys, California where he met and married Susanne Whiteley on May 8, 1971 and worked for Chevron. They moved back to Wasco soon after and he continued to work for Chevron until 1979. Jim then became a systems operator at Berrenda Mesa Water District and retired after 28 years of employment. He is survived by three children; daughter-Cyndee and her husband Michael Kelley, daughter-Rebecca and her husband Brian Adamak and son-Jimmy Priest and his wife Arianna, as well as his 8 grandchildren; Aileen, Sarah, Evelyn, Benjamin, Marcus, Damien, Joshua, and Noah. He is also survived by his five siblings; Billy Priest, Patty Pearson, Linda Elliot, Randy Priest and Jerry Priest. Jim loved to go fishing and being in nature, whether it was the lake, creek or Lost Hills slough. He used to go fishing before work, after work and sometimes during work. He loved the L.A. Dodgers, Rams and Cowboys. Mostly, he loved to watch his grandchildren play softball and baseball on their teams. Jim was very kind-hearted man and always put his family before himself. He will be missed for his clever humor and quick wit, as well as his love for all animals and things furry. He was known to take his dog, "Moose" through the McDonald's drive thru in his truck to share a cheeseburger and an ice cream cone with himBut just sitting with him and shooting the breeze over cup of coffee is what we will all miss the most. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 2pm at Wasco Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 4-8pm at Peters Funeral Home in Wasco.