James Alfred "Jimmie" Billeaud, Sr.

James A. “Jimmie” Billeaud, Sr. A celebration of life Mass will be held for James Alfred “Jimmie” Billeaud, Sr. on Friday, June 10, at 11:00 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Broussard. Jimmie died peacefully at his home in Broussard on June 3 after an extended illness. He was 92 years old. Jimmie was born on December 19, 1929, in Broussard, Louisiana, where he lived all his life except 4 years spent in military service. He attended St. Cecilia School, graduating from high school in 1946. While attending St Cecilia, Jimmie was active in the Catholic church, serving as an altar boy as well as participating in the Boy Scouts. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the first to earn this rank in his home town. Jimmie attended SLI (now ULL Lafayette). Like all his brothers, Jimmie entered the armed services, joining the US Air Force to serve from 1950-1954 during the Korean Conflict. Based in Bitburg, Germany, he achieved the rank of staff sergeant in the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, 23rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron as a mechanic on the F84 Thunderjet and the F86Sabre fighter jet. After his military service, Jimmie returned to Louisiana and married Julia “Judy” Larriviere, started his family of 5 children, and resumed work at Billeaud Sugar Factory, the business established by his great grandfather, Martial Billeaud Sr. He became chief engineer and then plant manager until the mill closure in 1977. After working briefly at St. John Sugar Mill in St. Martinville, he retired and along with Julia, established Anita Park mobile home subdivision (named after his aunt), becoming its manager from its opening in 1984 until 2019. From an early age, he became captivated with all things related to aviation, which became a life-long passion. He never missed the opportunity to attend airshows or fly in vintage warbirds, aerobatic planes such as the Pitts Special, as well as commercial and private jets. He also never passed up the chance to visit an aircraft museum, often scheduling vacations to places with aviation museums nearby. In retirement, Jimmie’s favorite activities included spending family quality time; taking annual summer trips with family to Navarre Beach, Florida; going on getaway vacations with Julia; and being a part of Air Force reunions with buddies from the service. As a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church, Jimmie strived to live the catechism goals: to know, love, and serve God. His life demonstrated for family and friends an example of how to live in unwavering faith in the Lord. He enjoyed praying a daily Rosary, working at “the ranch” (family property in Broussard, where he raised cattle), listening to bluegrass banjo music, being read to, wearing his favorite uniform—his jumpsuit, and snacking on unsalted peanuts. Jimmie leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 67 years, Julia Larriviere Billeaud; his children and their spouses Arleen Orgeron (Richard Keith), Johanna Buller (Bill), Yvette Guidry (Kyle), Jacqueline “Jackie” Morrison (Dale), and James “Chip” Billeaud Jr. (Christa); his 11 grandchildren and their spouses Kerrie Orgeron Bourque (Jason), Simone Orgeron Prejean (Adam), Rachel Buller (Zachary Leonard, fiancé), Andrea Buller Romero (Matt), Anthony Guidry (Valerie), David Guidry (Mary), Garrett Guidry (Emma), Martial Morrison (Lydia), Adrienne Morrison, Andrew Billeaud, and Alexander “Alex” Billeaud; his 16 great grandchildren; and his godchildren: Linda Bernard, Tony Billeaud, Mary Elizabeth Lavergne, and Colette Smith. Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, George and Beatrice “Betsy” St. Julien Billeaud; his siblings, George Jr., Emile, Marion Bell, Marie Ellen, Richard “Dickie,” Ramon, Thomas, John, Marie Louise; his special aunt, Rose Anita St. Julien; and his parents-in-law, Laurent and Louella Lassalle Larriviere. For the abundant outpouring of love and support towards our entire family, we express our heartfelt gratitude as well to caregivers Brandi Oglesby, Janice Granger, Roanne Langlinais, and Taylor Bissell and to devoted neighbors, Jean and Percy Bernard. We appreciate also Dr. Ken McCarron, Dr. James Dobbs, Dr. Jody Rosson, Dr. Juan Zeik. We thank the Hospice of Acadiana and especially nurse Katie Latiolais for their caring for Jimmie. The family kindly requests, in lieu of flowers, for those who desire, a memorial contribution be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 1250 Carmel Ave. Lafayette, LA 70501; or to the Martial F. Billeaud Sr. Foundation, 106 St. Nazaire Rd. Broussard, LA 70518. Jimmie’s funeral Mass will be at Sacred Heart Church in Broussard at 11:00, with Fr. Michael Delcambre officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 to time of service, with a Rosary at 10:30. Inurnment will follow at Sacred Heart mausoleum. David Funeral Home of Youngsville is in charge of arrangements.