Jerrel Dale Prince

Jerry was born to Emmazar Francis and Maude Della Prince on June 8, 1931, in Holliday, Texas. He was the sixth of seven children. Flora, Walter, Wanda, Wallace (Red), Donald Dean (passed away at age 3), and Emma Ann.

At age 9, he caravanned from Wichita Falls, Texas to Chula Vista, California, with his family. He was part of the first graduating class from Chula Vista High School in 1950. That same year, at the age of 19, Jerry joined the Army and served for four years where he was proud to have gained dental experience along with many other life lessons.

Jerry married Virginia Costantino, of San Diego, in 1956. They were married for 8 years and had four children, Tamryne, Nannette, Matthew, and Michael.

Jerry was a successful entrepreneur and businessman. Rumor had it, “he could sell ice to an Eskimo.” Early endeavors included being a milkman, a carpet cleaner, and a stockbroker. Jerry started selling turquoise jewelry in the 1970s. He would travel to various Indian reservations throughout New Mexico to replenish the supply.

In 1977, Jerry contracted Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare condition that caused his immune system to attack his nerves. Despite the long-lasting adverse effects, he never slowed down and continued to persevere in business and his social life with fortitude and a great attitude. His only complaint was that he couldn’t dance as well as he used to.

In the early ’80s, as turquoise went out of style, silver and gold came in. This led to the start of Jerry Prince Inc., a wholesale jewelry business that supplied fine silver and gold jewelry to various outlets across the country. JP Inc. was a company that brought much joy to many whose fond memories and friendships have lasted well beyond the sale of the company in 1997.

The sale of Jerry Prince, Inc. transitioned Jerry into a new commercial property endeavor. Bonita West was born and has continued to thrive within the past 25 years.

Jerry was extremely passionate about making memories with family and friends. Early memorable moments included road trips that took the young family camping or back and forth to New Mexico. Later travels took everyone to the Colorado River where a love of boating was established. In 1999, tents and motorhomes were replaced with Hidden Shores homes and thanks to Jerry, memory-making continues for the next generations.

Traveling and making memories took a new turn in 1995 when Jerry offered to take the whole family on a Caribbean cruise. He didn’t stop there, from then on, with the organizational finesse of Pam at his side, family, friends, and the “Six Pack,” were blessed by his generosity with making many more memories by way of planes, trains, ships, and automobiles. When one trip ended, it was always fun to see his eyes light up as he talked about the next one. Jerry truly enjoyed sharing these life experiences, especially with newcomers. He was extremely generous and loved gathering people together for a good time. Because of Jerry, many of us have destinations checked off bucket lists that have made for a lifetime of memories already.

Lastly, it should also be noted, that while Jerry enjoyed traveling afar, he was truly in his element at home or gathered with loved ones around a table. From his kitchen table to Jalisco’s, from Café La Maze to Island Prime. Dining with Jerry, no matter where was always a special treat filled with lots of good food and laughter.

In addition to his longtime partner, Pam Weir and dedicated friend, considered family, Michelle Zavala, survivors include his daughters, Tamryne Feilen, Nannette Woods (Jeff), Erin Raykiewicz (Mike); His sons, Matt Prince (Kris), and Mike Prince (Inez); Fourteen grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Wanda Callahan and Ann Cooke, as well as a host of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service for Jerrel will be held Friday, March 18, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Prince family.