Obituary of Joseph Gerald “Pappy” James, Jr.
On Thursday May 4, 2023, Joseph Gerald James, Jr. departed this life at his home peacefully surrounded by family. He walked among men for seventy-eight years. Precious memories of him will remain forever in our hearts. Joseph Gerald “Pappy” James, Jr. became the third born to parentage of Ruth Jacob James and Joseph Godfrey James Sr. on July 4, 1944, in the city of Reserve, Louisiana.
Joseph was united in Holy Matrimony to Olga Mae Brown on October 1, 1966. From that union six off springs was born Yolande James, Cyntrall James, Kim James, Brian James, the late Joseph James III, and Carl Jeffery James. He was the brother of Rosalie (Alvin) Lewis, Mary Hampton, Gloria (Sylvester) Dumas, Melinda James, Leonard James, Wayne James, Milton James, Sr. and the late Frederick James, Sr.
Family members that predeceased him are his parents Joseph Godfrey James, Sr. and Ruth Jacob James, wife Olga Mae Brown James, sons Carl Jeffery James. Joseph James III. and brother Frederick James, Sr. and in-laws Leroy Brown, Sr., Katie Mae Huff, Leroy Brown, Jr., Eddie Lee Brown, Sr., and Samuel Lewis.
Joseph Gerald James, Jr was a devoted catholic. He played the organ for the 7:00am Mass at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for many years. Joseph was a graduate of the River Parish Vocational-Technical School in Reserve, LA for Process Technology. He was employed as a Process Operator with Marathon Oil Refinery for over 33 years until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, cooking, playing music (trumpet and the organ), gardening, reading, making wine, painting (cars and homes), doing electrical wiring, riding bikes, and being a photographer. Joseph was a lover of music in his free time, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and teaching them music. In his younger years he played trumpet with a band called “Gemini” along with his brother, Fred. He also had the honor of being a background trumpet player for New Orleans singer, Irma Thomas. He was an inspiration to his children, grandchildren, and all that encountered him. He made everyone laugh and was a great storyteller. He will be deeply missed and will remain forever in our hearts.
Relatives and friends of the family, Priest and Parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and all neighboring churches are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 772 LA-44, Reserve, LA 70084. Fr. Godwin Ani, SSJ-Celebrant. Visitation 8:00am at the above-named church until time of mass. Recitation of the most holy rosary 9:15 am. Interment St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Reserve, LA. Final Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, Inc. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. For information 985-359-1919. “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”
Always In My Heart
I thought of you with love today. But that’s nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday. And the days before that too.
I think of you in silence. I often speak your name.
Now all I have are memories. And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake. With which I will never part.
God has you in his keeping. I have you in my heart.
Author: Kendra Marie Clofer.
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