James Wesley Prince Sr.

James Wesley Prince, Sr., 88, of Sutherland, VA, went home to be with the Lord in Heaven on Friday, June 29, 2018. He was affectionately known by many names, including Jim, Big Boy, Daddy, Papa Jim, Jungle Jim, Shotgun, and Captain Jim. Born in Jarratt, VA, he was the son of the late George Thomas and Martha Powell Prince. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Elizabeth Harris Prince; a brother, George Thomas Prince, Jr.; and a sister, Frances Elizabeth Prince Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Ann Martinez and husband, Gary; sons, James W. Prince, Jr. and wife, Yingwen, and Thomas W. Prince and wife, Rebecca; grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Martinez, Emily Scott Martinez, Katie Jo Frances Prince, and Zoey Wang; sister and brother-in-law, Ella “Booty” and Walter “Scotty” Waldrop; devoted cousins, Marvin and Edith Proctor, Stanley and Anita Prince, their daughter, Meagan, the Owen Family; as well as close friends, Thom and Francene Green, N.C. and Janie Olgers, and his Ocran family. Jim proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as an air traffic controller stationed in Japan. Following his military service, he worked as a civilian air traffic controller for two years, and then spent the next five years with Norfolk & Western Railroad as a switch operator. In 1964, Jim founded Prince Insurance Agency of Nationwide Insurance Company, which he operated until his retirement in 1993. Jim was dedicated to his clients and cherished the many lifelong friendships that were formed during those years. His children continued to operate the business until January, 2018. A man of incredible faith and desire to serve God, Jim was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. He began his walk with the Lord, under the guidance of his parents, at Lebanon UMC, Jarratt, VA. In 1961, he became a member of Kenwood UMC, where he taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, served on the Administrative Board, and became a Certified Lay Speaker. In moving to Sutherland, he joined Ocran UMC in 1972 where he remained active until his death. He taught Sunday school, Bible Study, was a Disciple Instructor, served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, sang in the choir, and was a charter member of the United Methodist Men. He shared his love for the Lord through his certified lay ministry and his lifelong mission was to share the promise of God’s word. He was a member of Gideons International, Life Renewal Ministries, the District Board of Missions, Civitan Club, Dinwiddie VFW, a charter member of Full Gospel Businessmen, and a charter member and Past President of Sutherland Ruritan Club. Jim loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting and fishing for many years. A special loving thanks to his daughter-in-law, Becky Prince for her devoted care. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 2, 2018 at Ocran United Methodist Church followed by interment in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ocran UMC, P.O. Box 309, Sutherland, VA 23885. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .