Terry James Thibodeaux

Terry James Thibodeaux peacefully passed away in Hammond, Louisiana, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born on Tuesday, July 31, 1945, in Crowley, Louisiana, to the late Milton and Bertha Myers Thibodeaux. He was a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Terry proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, where he was “boots on the ground”, showing courage and dedication, and earning him the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Terry worked for many years at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and did maintenance work for Cytech.

In his younger years, Terry enjoyed running a horse ranch, showing horses, and leading trail rides with covered wagons. Terry loved music and played the drums, traveling all over with his band. He loved to dance to cajun and swamp‑pop music. Terry was happiest outdoors, especially when deer hunting, riding his motorcycle, or working on his vintage cars. Terry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his sons, Milton “Bubba” Kalani Thibodeaux Sr. (Gimi), Michael Kaleo Thibodeaux Sr. (Honey Girl); daughters, Mitzi Kamakanipilileialoha Thibodeaux and Tina Thibodeaux Knowles; grandchildren, Milton Kalani Thibodeaux Jr. (Cherice), Mavrick Kupono Thibodeaux (Kaulana), Michael Kaleo Thibodeaux Jr. (Makamae), Nazareth Kulanihako’i Thibodeaux (Audrey), Shelby Kamakanipilileialoha Villa (Reggie), Jacob Kau’i Makalewalani Kaninau (Mari Beth), Charlee Knowles, and Laard Quave; great-grandchildren, Macen, Qynten, Gabriel, Monroe, Bearaton, Roselle, Kuano’o and Konapiliahi Thibodeaux, Amaiah, Ezra, and Zekaiah Villa, Dominic Quave, and Nicholi Quave; sister, Pamela Thibodeaux Clark (Hollis); and brother, John Keith Thibodeaux.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Evangeline Deguilmo Thibodeaux; second wife, Janice Petit Thibodeaux; and parents, Milton and Bertha Myers Thibodeaux.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, until the Funeral Service at 10:00 am. A Rosary will be held before the service starts.

Burial will follow at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Richard Murphy Hospice House in Terry’s honor.