Jeffery Scott Prince

Jeffery “Jeff” Scott Prince, age 59, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, after tying the score with pancreatic cancer.

Jeff was born on August 7, 1966, to the late Agnes P. (Kornoely) and John W. Prince. Raised in the area, he attended Kelloggsville Public Schools, where he began building the deep roots and lifelong connections that defined his place in the community. Known affectionately by many name including Jeffy and Kid. Jeff was a multi-faceted man who embraced his roles as a brother, uncle, a kind neighbor, boyfriend, devoted friend, and, most proudly, a father.

A true outdoorsman and community man through and through, Jeff found his greatest joy in nature. He loved fishing, hunting, cooking, smoking meats, tinkering with projects, and sharing good time with friends. As a young boy, he could often be found riding his bike down to the creek to fish, an early passion that grew into a lifelong love for the outdoors. He held a deep reverence for nature, frequently pausing to admire the bumblebees while fishing or the chirp of the birds while hunting. Above all, Jeff was known for his kindness, gentle strength, and his instinct to always show up and help anyone in need. As a single parent, he fought fiercely to provide a safe, beautiful, and loving life for his daughter.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ed Prince, Carol Lubbers, and his sister in law Renee.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his beloved daughter, Kelsea VanBuren; his brothers, Dick Prince and Randy Prince; his chosen family, the Lubbers family, who became his own early in life, and a loving family of in-laws, nieces, nephews (Dickie, Willy, Rob, Calen, Brock, Charity, and Mary to name a few), friends, and the community he built. 

Celebration of life will be held September 12, 2026.