James "Jim" Prince's Obituary
Mr. James “Jim” Prince, age 70, of New Era was called home to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 11, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 15, 1955 in Ann Arbor to Clifford and Ellen (André) Prince. He met his wife, Ruth (Van Goor), at Calvin College, and they were married for 47 blessed years.
Jim joined the law firm of his father in 1981 and was a partner at Prince & Monton PLC (formerly Prince, Nicholas, & Burrows LLP) until his retirement.
Jim was a member of New Era Christian Reformed Church where he was deeply involved and considered it a privilege to serve in many different capacities. Jim was proud to serve his community by being on numerous boards, including 40 years on the West Michigan Community Mental Health Board. He was an avid supporter of Christian education and showed his faith in all that he did. Jim and Ruth enjoyed traveling, especially camping with their many friends, and most of all, doting on their grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and remembered as a loving husband, cherished father and grandfather, and for his compassionate, loving, and funny demeanor.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; four children: Mark (Jeanette) Prince, Daniel (Katie) Prince, Eric (Jessica) Prince, and Jason (Alaina) Prince; six grandchildren: Willa Prince, Cameron and Aiden Prince, Penny, Evie and John Prince; siblings Kenneth (Jane) Prince, Laura (Doug) Fessenden, Michael (Carol) Prince, and Andrea (James) Karsten; Van Goor in-laws; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Ellen, and sister-in law, Ruth Prince.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 18, 2025, at New Era Christian Reformed Church. Visitation will be held 4-7 PM Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be given to New Era Christian School or the Harbor Hospice Foundation - Poppen Residence. Please sign the family's online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
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