BU Mourns the Passing of Longtime PA Announcer Jim Prior
July 25, 2016 | Men's Ice Hockey
Boston University, as well as hundreds of people throughout the New England hockey community, is mourning the loss of Jim Prior, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 85 after a 30-year run as the public address announcer for Terrier hockey.
An Arlington native, Prior was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Vietnam War. He also served as the PA announcer for the Beanpot and Hockey East Championship as well as Wentworth, Salem State, Arlington High School and Arlington Catholic hockey games and numerous other events.
Visiting hours will take place on Wednesday (July 27) from 4-8 p.m. at Keefe Funeral Home (5 Chestnut St., Arlington, MA) and funeral services will take place on Thursday at 11:30 am. at Saint Agnes Church (51 Medford Street, Arlington, MA). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New England Center and Home for Veterans. Prior's obituary can be viewed here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?pid=180769371
Drew Marrochello, Director of Athletics
"Boston University was incredibly lucky to have Jim Prior serve as our public address announcer for three decades at Walter Brown Arena and Agganis Arena. Countless players, coaches, staff and fans of our men's and women's hockey programs learned that Jim was much more than a legendary voice. One of the kindest and most genuine people you could meet, Jim was a loyal friend and supporter who took so much pride in being behind the microphone. Our thoughts are with the Prior family, his friends and the New England hockey community to which he devoted himself. Jim will be missed, and we could not be more proud to call him a Terrier."
Jack Parker, Former Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach (1973-2013)
"Thirty years ago, Ben Smith – my assistant coach at the time – heard Jim Prior announcing summer games at Hockey Night in Boston and told me, "We've got to hire this guy… his voice is so different and I love the way he starts off each game with 'Let's play hockey!'" Jim became an institution, as much a part of Terrier lore as anybody, and you could tell that he absolutely loved every minute of the job. He took it so seriously and that voice of his was so engaging - Jim was our guy. I'm sad to see him leave us, but his voice will echo in Walter Brown and Agganis forever."
David Quinn, Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach
"Jim Prior has been synonymous with BU hockey for the past 30 years and anybody who has come through the program during that time obviously not only respected him, but got to know how special of a man he was. His first year at BU was my junior season, and like so many of the Terriers that followed, I was lucky to call him a friend. He will be sorely missed."
