James Stephen Prince

1962-2019

A name identifies, or at least should identify what is named. News that James Prince passed away on March 22, 2019 in San Diego, California at the age of 57 years of age would have been noticed by employees at a certain local Target store. However, news of the passing of Stephen Prince would have received considerably more attention, both locally and across several states. And yet, they are the same person. He preferred Stephen! He was born in Pasadena, California on February 20, 1962 to Herbert and Betty Prince. At the time, his father was a student at Pasadena College and his mother a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital. Stephen’s initial exposure to formal education and clinical experiences through the lives and dreams of his parents continued throughout his life.

With the family’s move to San Diego in 1973 Stephen became involved in youth activities on several levels. First as a member and later as a volunteer he enjoyed working in the children’s ministry at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene. He was a member of Boy Scouts of America in his teen years and enjoyed participating in track and cross country events in high school. He completed several 5Ks, 10Ks and a half-marathon in San Diego. He graduated from Point Loma High School (1982), and then later from Point Loma Nazarene University (B.A.; class of 1989). His collegiate major in sociology was particularly influential, leading to a life-long interest in reading and exploring American Indian history and culture.

In December of 1989, Stephen was hired as a part-time employee at the Target Store on Sports Arena Boulevard in San Diego. Little did he realize at the time what the hire might portend for the future. He continued to work there in that same location for the next 29 years! At the time of his death he was on an extended leave of absence with hopes of returning to work; the sooner the better!

Stephen is survived by his parents, Herbert and Betty Prince, sister and brother-in-law (Jeanie Prince and Bryce Proctor), two nephews (Cooper and Austin Proctor), an uncle and aunt (Don and Shirley Prince), cousins (Donald and Jerry Prince), as well as other extended family members in South Carolina (Raymond and Carolyn Riles, Rusty and Debbie Riles, Randy, Mary Ruth, and Nan Chafin), and Tennessee (Jerry and Ann Huff, Lemuel and Nikki Huff). A memorial service is planned for Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 2:00 pm at First Church of the Nazarene, 3901 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, CA.

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