Leonard "Jimmy" Rideaux

1954 - 2026

Leonard James Rideaux, affectionately known as “Jimmy” entered eternal rest on January 8, 2026, age 71.  He was born August 29, 1954, in Lafayette, LA. to the late Jeff Rideaux and Octavia Rideaux. He was baptized at an early age at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Opelousas, LA. He received his primary education at North Elementary School and his high school education at Opelousas High School. He later met and married Doris Lee of River Ridge, LA. They shared two daughters, Eranda Grice (Joseph) and Latonya Smith (Lucien), two granddaughters, Darish Barnes and Falyn Grice, and three great grandchildren, Gabrielle Barnes, Gabriel Barnes, and Genesis Barnes, one sister, Christine Rideaux, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Octavia Rideaux, two brothers, Jeff Rideaux, and Claude Rideaux, four sisters, Lillian Gallo, Virginia Ranton, Eva Phillips, and Julia Elmore.

Jimmy was a devoted husband and father. He worked as a foreman for Point Humas Commercial Contracting Shipyard until his retirement, where he earned the title, “Hardworking man!”

Jimmy loved spending time with family and making people laugh. Whenever you saw him he always had a smile. He was no stranger to anyone and was well known within the community by all his neighbors and friends. He did not allow anything to stop him from enjoying life and remaining active. If you knew him, when asked, “How are you doing Jimmy? He would respond with, “I’m kicking but not high!” He was a New Orleans Saints fan. You might receive a phone call from him during the game to allow him to rant about the game’s progress and when the team lost, he was ready to go suit up and show them something. He will truly be missed by family and friends who were blessed to have him throughout his 71 years of life!

Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors, officers and members of Choice International Family Outreach Worship Center and all neighboring Churches are invited to the Funeral Services 12:30pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home, 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068.  Rev. Troy Douglas-Officiating.  Visitation 11:00am until the time of service at the above-named location.  Interment will be private.  Final Arrangements entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC.  605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068.  985-359-1919.  “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”