Gerald "Jerry" Stephen Prine

Gerald “Jerry” Stephen Prine, passed away Sunday, March 1,2020. He was born Gulfport MS., grew up and attended high school in Long Beach, MS., where he earned his Eagle Scout badge in1977. He had lived in Belle Chasse, LA., for more than 37 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Geraldine Prine; grandparents Timothy Lee and Annie Prine of Perkinston, Miss., Matthew and Christine Hickman of Wiggins, Miss.; his aunt, Kathleen “Kay” Miller Griswald and grandson, Jeremy David Alexander. He is survived by his beloved bride of nearly 25 years, Tammy Lulei Prine; loving daughters, Kelly Prine Alexander (Joel) of Flowood, MS and Kathleen Prine Cooley (Chris) of Brandon MS.; precious grandchildren, Brenna Alexander, Bryleigh Alexander, and Zachary Cooley; and his sister, Christy Prine Crouch (Christopher) of Bigelow, AR . Jerry enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard in 1978 while a senior in high school and left for basic training on Flag Day, June 14. A few years later after taking a job in Belle Chasse, LA., he transferred to the Civil Engineer Squadron of the 926th Fighter Wing, Air Force Reserve, located on Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans and remained there as a drilling reservist until the unit closed in 2006. He then served with the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, LA., He retired in 2009 as a Senior Master Sergeant after having served more than 31 years. He was a true patriot at heart and loved his country without wavering. While a member of the Air Force Reserve he traveled around the world numerous times helping to build schools, hospitals and other facilities for those in need. Jerry was also a lifetime member of the Air Force Sergeant’s Association. He was a paramedic with 20 years of EMS service and employed by Acadian Ambulance in New Orleans. While with Acadian he earned two Meritorious Service Awards, an Acadian Pride Award, and dozens of thank you letters from former patients and hospital staff praising his amazing skill and heartfelt compassion. He earned his EMS certificate and Paramedic licenses from Delgado Community College. After hurricane Katrina he spent countless hours helping transport and evacuate those in need. For the past 15 years he worked at the Acura Stage at Jazz Fest and at every New Orleans Saints home game. He truly loved being a paramedic. He was happy to go to work every day. He always said he loved having a job where everyone he encountered in his work was happy to see him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Visitation on Sunday, March 8, 2020 beginning at 11:00 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 1:30 PM from the chapel of Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA. Private family interment at later date.