John Joseph "JJ" Pribanic, III of Moss Point, MS passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the age of 78. John was born on December 26, 1938 in Elyria, OH to John Joseph Pribanic, Jr. and Pauline Frank Pribanic. He moved to Mississippi in 1969 and worked passionately as a shipbuilder and port engineer for many years before retiring. He was also an entrepreneur, owning J.J.'s Downtowner and J.J.'s Saloon, both in Pascagoula, MS, and remained an active member of the Young Men's Business Club of Jackson County. Known as the "Croatian Prince" and for his strong handshake and infamous stories, he lived his life devoted to his family, celebrating his Croatian heritage, and instilling in his family the value of hard work and a life fully lived. He touched the lives of countless family members, friends, co-workers, and employees and will forever be remembered for his authenticity, work ethic and character, and for his love of family. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved dogs and companions Bailey and Nikki 1, and is survived by former wives Barbara Starling (Dan) of Fort Myers, FL and Amanda Currie (Tom) of Ocean Springs, MS; sons John "Mike" Pribanic, IV of Midland, TX, Richard "Rick" Pribanic (Juanita) of Lucedale, MS, Todd Pribanic (Yuliya Saniyeva) of Frisco, TX, and Matthew Aurigema of Columbus, OH, and step-daughter Holly Hall (Wesley) of Hurley, MS; grandchildren Barry Jackson (Jackie) of Pascagoula, MS, John Pribanic, V of Pascagoula, MS, Kelli Pribanic of Ocean Springs, MS, Kaci Wilburn (Josh) of Lucedale, MS, Richard "Rikki" Pribanic, Jr. of Lucedale, MS, Sean Pribanic of East Quogue, NY, Amy Pribanic of East Quogue, NY, Travis Pribanic of Frisco, TX, and Corbin Hall, Grayson Hall, and Braxton Hall of Hurley, MS; great grandchildren Savana Jackson, Ellis Jackson, and Mitchell Jackson of Pascagoula, MS and Nicole Pribanic and Jennifer Pribanic of Mobile, AL; brother Robert "Bobby" Pribanic (Tammy) of Canton, OH and sister Pam Edwards (Ron) of Fort Myers, FL; nieces Robin Tedrow (Derrik) and Dawn Pribanic of Elyria, OH and Pammy Edwards of Amherst, OH, and nephews Ken Kerekes of Fort Myers, FL and Brian Edwards and Randy Edwards of Amherst, OH; lifelong dear friend Pat Magee of Moss Point, MS; dog Nikki 2, and numerous other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS from 5-6 pm. The memorial service will begin at 6 pm in the chapel with Brother Greg Adkins officiating. A celebration of life will be held at the Young Men's Business Club hall in Moss Point, MS following the chapel service. Condolences may be expressed online at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John J. Pribanic III may be mailed to the Jolly Elders elder care organization of Rocky Creek Baptist Church at 2165 Rocky Creek Rd., Lucedale, MS 39452. His sons also encourage friends and loved ones to "drink one on Dad" or buy a lottery ticket, as he would have said himself.Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS is in charge of the arrangements