James Roger Barrilleaux

James Roger Barrilleaux, known affectionately as “Pops”, “Bear”, and "Jimmy" by his family and friends, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Reserve, Louisiana. He was born on April 11, 1948 in Maplewood, Louisiana.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie Sue Hood Barrilleaux; his brothers, Clay Barrilleaux and Robert Barrilleaux; his children, Melinda Giardina (Gerald), Rusty Barrilleaux (Lundon), Blair Edwards (Daniel), and Dudley Downing (Vonda).  He was the cherished grandfather of Andrew Giardina, Marlie Giardina, Jude Giardina, Cohen Barrilleaux, Baylor Barrilleaux, Brinley Barrilleaux, Brandi Mitchell (Dane), Joshua Byars, Allie Edwards, Danny Edwards, Zachary Edwards, Ryan Downing (Jacy), and Brooke Sharp (Mason); great-grandchildren, Kylie Blair Mitchell, Kambry Sue Mitchell, Tristan Edwards, Gabrielle Edwards, Rylee Downing, Kinsley Downing and Ava Downing; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Ford Barrilleaux Dalton and his father, Willie Brad Barrilleaux. 

Jimmy was a member of the LSU football team from 1966-1970, and played in the very first Peach Bowl in 1968. After graduating from LSU, he enlisted in the United States Army, and was a 1st Lieutenant. He was a coach and mentor for many young people in Tangipahoa Parish, from little league to college, however, his love for his wife and family superseded all of his other accomplishments. His life was a life well lived and he treated everyone with genuine kindness.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Brandi Leach (Home Instead), Delores Stevenson (caregiver), and all of the staff on the memory unit at S.E. Louisiana Veterans Home, and the E.R. and Observation unit staff at North Oaks Hospital.

Pallbearers are Robert Clay Barrilleaux, Ryan Downing, Andrew Giardina, Jude Giardina, Cohen Barrilleaux, Dane Mitchell and Joshua Byars (Honorary).

Family and friends will be received at First United Methodist Church of Hammond, 2200 Rue Denise, Hammond, Louisiana 70403 on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm.

Interment will follow at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery in Hammond, Louisiana.

Arrangements entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.