Jahna Gale Prine (née John Galen Prine), 81

Jahna Gale Prine (née John Galen Prine)

May 11, 1944 – October 20, 2025

Jahna Gale Prine passed away at her home on October 20, 2025, at the age of 81. She was born on May 11, 1944, in Lawrence, Kansas, and spent her formative years in Washington State, attending Spanaway Elementary, Sherman Elementary, Mason Junior High, and graduating from Wilson High School in 1962.

Jahna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Washington State University in 1966. She began her career that same year at The Boeing Company, where she contributed to several major engineering projects, including the Minuteman missile systems at Boeing’s Development Center in South Seattle, the design of an Earth-orbiting satellite in Kent, and the development of the iconic Boeing 747 aircraft in Everett.

In 1969, Jahna joined the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, where she dedicated over three decades of service until her retirement in 2002. Her technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence left a lasting impression on all who worked alongside her.

Outside of her engineering career, Jahna was an avid long-distance runner. She completed an impressive 63 marathons, achieving a personal best time of 2:54:45 — a testament to her determination, endurance, and love for the sport. Jahna was a member of the Silver Striders and earned the distinction of Super Athlete multiple times. Jahna was also a member of The Mountaineers.

Jahna was also a filmofile, attending dozens of movies each month at the Grand Cinema in Tacoma and the Galaxy Theater in Gig Harbor, and writing a blog where she often successfully picked the Oscar winners each year using her own proprietary algorithm.

Jahna is survived by her sister, Barbara Prine; her beloved wife, Joyce Hillard-Cadmus Prine; three stepchildren; and four step-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her quiet confidence, grace, and authenticity with which she lived the later years of her life. She will remain an inspiration to those who saw her on her daily runs around Gig Harbor.

A celebration of Jahna’s life will be held on Thursday, November 13th at 11:00AM at Gig Harbor United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County. Please visit this website and check the box to dedicate your gift to Jahna Prine.