John Goode Priest ’45

John died in California on Oct. 6, 2000, after an extended battle with liver cancer. John entered Princeton from Lake Forest Academy in St. Louis, following in the footsteps of his father, George Thomas Priest '02. He became a member of Tiger Inn but his Princeton career was interrupted by service in the Navy where, as a flight officer, he was an instructor in the Primary Training Command.

After Princeton, John entered St. Louis U. School of Law, but the Navy recalled him for Korean War service and he remained a Navy pilot until his retirement in 1970 with the rank of commander. John trained jet pilots in the Vietnam War.

After retiring from the service, he became a vice pres. of Simi Valley Bank in Simi Valley, Cal.

John is survived by three daughters, Julia, Susan, and Frances, and by two sons, John Jr. and James. In addition, John is survived by six grandchildren. The class extends its sympathy to the family.

The Class of 1945