Coney Island legend Jimmy Prince dies, operated popular meat market for 60 years
Prince, 89, was key figure in 'glory days' of Mermaid Avenue
The Coney Island community is mourning the death of a local legend.
James Prince, aka Jimmy, the longtime owner of Major Markets Prime Meats on Mermaid Avenue, has died at the age of 89, it was announced via Facebook on May 4.
According to Coney Island historian Charles Denson, Prince began working at the market, which was founded in 1932, in June 1949, when he was 18. Eventually he owned the store and kept it open seven days a week until 2009, when it closed for good. Even after the store closed, Prince remained active in the community.