James Edwin Pryor, Bensenville, Illinois was welcomed into Heaven to be with Jesus on January 8, 2020 at the age of 91. James was born on February 29, 1928 – a leap year baby - in Chicago, to Lester and Evelyn (nee Pedersen) Pryor. When he returned home after serving in the Korean War, he met and married Rita Mupo, “the girl next door”, in 1954. They were married 57 years and raised three daughters: Ann (Steve) Ciaccio, Patty (Kirk) Dearden, and Jeanne (Tim) Ewert. He treasured and was loved by his nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. He was also loved by his many nieces and nephews. In the early years, James and Rita resided in Bellwood, Illinois, before moving to Elmhurst, Illinois. Later, James and Rita moved to Marengo where they happily worked the garden and pathway through their pine forest until moving to Wood Dale and then, James to Bensenville. A Korean War Veteran, James was a life member of VFW Post 2149. During the years following his service, he would attend many Army reunions with his fellow servicemen. To the family he was known as “Mr. Fix It” and created many custom pieces of wooden furniture for them as well as performing home repairs and installing new kitchens. Measure once, cut twice was the motto. James was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rita (2012) and brother, Gilbert Pryor (1973). Visitation will be held Friday, January 10, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at The Oaks Funeral Home, 1201 E. Irving Park Rd, (at Prospect), Itasca, IL 60143. Family and friends will meet Saturday, January 11, 2020 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 410 S. Rush Street, Itasca, IL 60143, for a Lying in State, 10:00 a.m. with the Funeral Service following at 11:00 a.m. Interment private.