Price Charles West, Jr.

Price graduated from Ypsilanti High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1954. After high school he played professional baseball in the Minor Negro Leagues with players such as Satchel Paige and Charlie Pride. He played for several teams including the Montgomery Rebels in 1954, the New York Black Yankees in 1955, and the Knoxville Smokers in 1956. Later he enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Korea and played in the 24th Infantry Division All Stars in 1957. After a two year term in the Army, he continued to play professional baseball with the Detroit Stars in 1958, the Rochester Yankees in 1959 and the Kansas City Monarchs in 1960. Price was known as a stocky 185lb short-stop who was a destructive switch hitter. He clubbed 28 home runs for the Kansas City Monarchs. He was most proud of hitting a home run off of a low fast ball pitch from Satchel Paige. Price had hopes of becoming a Major League baseball player but ended his baseball career in the Minor Leagues.

He found his true love, Shirley, got married and started a family. Price later fulfilled his entrepreneurial spirit and established several businesses throughout his career. These included West Realty Company, Price West Realty and Appraisal Company, and JK Records. Price also served as Vice-President of C & B West Publishing Company/Lu-Pine Music and Production Company, a family owned business in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Price had political interests that prompted him to run for Mayor of Grand Rapids. He came in 3rd place among five candidates, in 1983. Price believed in motivating others and in an effort to share his vision, he produced his own T.V. show called “From My Point of View”. This program aired on Channel 50, three times a week in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the late 1990s.

Price was preceded in death by his parents, Price Charles West, Sr., Margaret Vivian West (Ball) and his wife Shirley West (Pearson). He is survived by his children Kelli (Jody) Behun, Jeffrey (J.P.) West; five grandchildren, Brittne Bennett, Kesha Ferguson, Matthew Miller, Sophia Miller, Natasha Miller, one great- grandchild Josiah Cox; one brother James West, and four sisters, Margaret Nicholson, Carol Anne Brown, Deloris Adams, Bernice Minnis and a host of nieces and nephews.

To view the Keepsake Video please click on the link below.

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/CJQXZHPBXRPRYY9J

The family will receive visitors at a Gathering Memorial that will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th Street, Byron Center, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimers-Dementia Foundation in honor of Price.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com.