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A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month in a DUI crash that killed a Madison County pastor was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison Thursday.

Elmer French pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month after police say he had too much to drink, got behind the wheel and caused a crash that killed 35-year-old Jason Issacs back in 2008 just before Christmas along Logston Road in Berea.

The judge made it clear to French that he will serve the entire sentence, saying, "This type of action is impermissible. and I think you'd agree with me. And the only way I can make that good and loud is say I'm going to delay your motion for probation today."

French then apologized in court to Issac's family. "I'm very sorry for all my actions," he said. "Very sorry."

Isaacs' widow, Sandra, later said of the apology, "It does help and I want him to know I forgive him for what he did. I do.

Sandra Issacs said the sentence is the justice she and her family, including the 15- and 11-year-old kids her husband left behind, have been waiting for ever since that crash. "I can actually get on with my life now," she said. Not having to relive it every time we come to court. Be there for my child. Time to go on. Jason would want me to."

Other family members hope others can learn from their tragedy.

"Mr. French got seven years, but we have a life sentence." said Jada Nylander, Jason Issacs' sister. "I want people to remember that when they think about drinking and driving."

The Issaacs family says they'll help each other move on from this, and they say they will be back for any future parole hearings.

French will also pay more than $500 in court costs.