Jay Monroe Prince

Jay Prince was born May 15, 1929 to James and Cora Prince in Grubbs Arkansas. He had five brothers and one sister. As a Sharecropper's son, he grew up picking cotton. In 1945 at 15 years old, after lying about his age, he followed his already enlisted 5brothers into the United States Navy as a Seaman, Second Class. He served over seas in Asia and received a Honorable Discharge. He received an American Theatre, a Asian Pacific and a Victory Medal(s). In 1948 at 19 years old, Jay married Francis Preseley in Nettleton, Arkansas and they began their family. In 1952 Jay and Frances moved to Arvin, California were he worked as a farmhand and at a local Cotton Gin. In 1957, Jay and Francis moved into a new home in Lamont, California. His children have fond memories of their 1963 Chevrolet Truck, with no radio, the entire family happily singing on their many camping and fishing excursions. During this time Jay got much joy out of submitting humerous commentary to the local news publication. His quick wit and knowledge of world events serving him well. In 1968, Jay began a long happy career as a Window Clerk for the United States Post Office. He loved serving the public and sharing humours clips with his many customers until his retirement in 1992. In 1976 Jay's beloved Francis preceded Jay in death and passed into the loving arms of Jesus. Being blessed, Jay began a courtship with Mary Ann Elkins, a fellow employee, whom he subsequently married on August 11, 1977. Together they merged their families, and explored many hobbies, never seperated a day, until Jay's passing on May 1, 2011. Several years prior to his death, he and Mary began a devoted relationship with Jesus Christ, attending St. Augustines Catholic Church in Lamont, resulting in Jay's recent baptism, much to the joy of his family and his Lord Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Francis Presley Prince; parents, Bell and James Prince; brothers, Sheriden, Alvis, and Rye Prince; sister Lena Prince; daughters, Norma Singh and Sylvia Jones; a son, James Prince, and a great-grandchild, Nora Francis Rose. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Prince; brother, Walter Prince; sons, Danny Prince, David and wife Jody Prince; step children, Joyce Elkins, Art Elkins, and Beth Hustead; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend special thanks to Caretaker, Denise Wyatt, Odyssey Hospice, and San Joaquin Hospital. On Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 10:00am, Jay's family would like to invite family and friends to attend his chapel and graveside services at Hillcrest Memorial Park with a reception to follow