James "Ed" Prince

Thank you for taking the time to click on this GoFundMe. My name is Nikki, and I am one of Jennifer's best friends and business partner. Jennifer lost the love of her life on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Ed was her soul mate, husband, and best friend. Ed served in the military, dedicating decades to making our country a better place before retiring. Ed loved his grandchildren more than anything. His granddaughters were the twinkle in his eye, but his grandson was his heart.

I remember Jenny talking about him driving to the county's North end all the time, wanting to see his new boy. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids. He loved to talk and tell stories and never met a stranger. He was one of the most helpful men I knew. Anytime something needed to be done, Ed was there to do it. Unfortunately, over the past 2-3 years, he became forgetful and would do silly things that Jenny and I would get tickled at. Pretty soon, it was much more frequent, and it did not feel silly anymore. We became more concerned that his health was declining more seriously. Once Covid and quarantine started, he was stuck in the house, and his decline was much more apparent. The family shared Covid numerous times over the past year and a half, which certainly did not help. Ed was diagnosed with dementia, and at that time, Shannon, his daughter, made him her full-time priority as his caregiver. Jennifer and Shannon alternated shifts day and night to ensure he was cared for. There is no gift more precious than that of a caregiver. The memories you make and the precious time spent serving a loved one is something that can never be taken away from you. It's an honor and a privilege to do this job. It doesn't come without its trials, though. It is exhausting both mentally and physically. It takes patience and understanding. Some days you feel as though you cannot continue doing this job, but then it's all over in a blink of an eye.

Though you expect that day to come and you try to plan for that day, it is devastating. It is even worse when it is somewhat unexpected, meaning things have been progressing as usual and something unrelated happens. It is a kick in the gut. It's one of the worse, most helpless feelings one can experience. Watching your loved one slip away from this life is indescribable.

Being the friend on the sidelines is even more difficult. You don't know what to do or say because nothing you can say will take away all the pain. Jennifer knows I will always be there for her, especially now. I know this unexpected expense will be challenging emotionally and financially for the family. Every dollar donated will be used for final and necessary expenses. Jennifer is humble and does not realize what a blessing she is to many people in this county. Those who know her know she gives more of herself to people than she ever receives. She has the biggest heart of any human I have ever met. She coupons so she can donate items to assisted living facility residents monthly. Jennifer gives without expecting anything in return. She hates recognition and does not understand why people think she is special. If you cannot financially help, please know that is okay. If you can spare a few dollars, know that you are a blessing to a beautiful family who has been dealt a devastating hand. No amount is too small; it all adds up.

On behalf of the family, I want to thank you personally for all the prayers and visits over the past couple of days. The love that has been shown is heartwarming. Knowing so many people who care enough to reach out to offer their condolences is comforting during this time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of the Prince family.