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James E. “Cookie” Prince of Mendenhall, Mississippi died peacefully in his home on May 17, 2016, at the age of 79. Born on March 4, 1937 to James “Buck” and Irena “Rena” Prince in Magee, Mississippi, he grew up in D’lo, where he attended school.
There is some speculation as to how he received the nickname Cookie. Most believe a childhood friend could not pronounce his name but could say the word Cookie, but Cookie himself said he was called that because he was “just so sweet.” He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary Carroll Munn. He is survived by 4 children, Lisa Prince Dallas (Bobby), Ricky Prince (Lisa), Kevin Prince (Lynn), and Kristi Prince, and nine grandchildren, Molly Dallas, Megan Dallas, Kirsti Prince Eubanks (Billy), Anna Carol Prince, Joseph Prince, Jarrett Prince, Taylor Prince, Mary Alice Walker, and Lloyd Walker, Jr. Cookie is also survived by his sister, Betty Meadows Green, his sister-n-law, Patsy Munn, his brother-n-law, Billy Stringer, and 11 nieces and nephews.
Cookie served in the Army National Guard of Mississippi from 1955-1958, followed by careers in construction and transportation. He operated a Caterpillar Dozer and many said, “Mr. Cookie was the best dozer operator in Mississippi.” As testament to that, he was involved in building almost every pond in Simpson County. Following a construction accident, he became a trucker logging millions of miles driving across the country for a number of different trucking companies. He was affectionately known on the road with the CB handle “The Cat Man” in recognition of his previous career as a Caterpillar Dozer operator. He was a Master Mason (32nd Degree) from the Mendenhall Masonic Lodge No. 497.
After a life-altering stroke in 1992, Cookie spent most days traveling around Mendenhall visiting with friends in the coffee shops or on the streets of town. His front porch was always open to anyone who stopped by, and all who knew him in the community loved him.
Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Mendenhall, from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2016, followed by the funeral service at 2:30 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary. Immediately following the funeral service, interment will take place at the Mendenhall Cemetery.
I Corinthians 13:13: And these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Cookie loved passionately and freely, and in return was richly loved by his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mendenhall Cemeteries Association c/o Treasurer, Post Office Box 838, Mendenhall, Mississippi 39114 or to First Baptist Church of Mendenhall, Post Office Box 366, Mendenhall, Mississippi 39114.
