James Allen Thibodeaux of DeRidder, Louisiana | 1941 - 2023 | Obituary
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Visitation
Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023
5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Visitation
Thursday, Jan 19, 2023
12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Funeral Service
Thursday, Jan 19, 2023
3:00 PM
James Allen Thibodeaux
June 18, 1941 - January 16, 2023
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James Allen Thibodeaux, born June 18, 1941, departed this life on January 16, 2023 at 81 years of age.
James was the son of Joe and Jetta Thibodeaux, and grew up in the Grant/Fairview community. He married Sharon Shirley on August 22, 1964 and they had three children. He began his teaching career at Lagrange High School in Lake Charles, and taught in Beauregard Parish for 30 years, starting at Merryville High School as a teacher and coach and moving to East Beauregard High School in 1968, where he spent the rest of his career. Known as Mr. T to his students, he taught Math to many, many Beauregard Parish students. He was truly beloved by them and made a positive impact on their lives.
He was also a cattle and horse farmer, known broadly for his quality animals. James spent his entire life working with his animals, even after the accident that left him needing assistance with his mobility. His won’t stop attitude kept him out and about checking in with neighbors, his farm, and the surrounding lands.
PawPaw, as he was known to his grandchildren, was a one of a kind man who took them on rides on his cart, was always willing to listen to their stories, and taught and encouraged them to work hard. They will forever cherish the memories they were blessed to make with him.
James is survived by his wife and constant support of 58 years, Sharon Shirley Thibodeaux; two sons, Greg Thibodeaux (Melissa) of DeRidder and Tim Thibodeaux (Penny) of Elmer, LA; one daughter, Stacy Thibodeaux Nortman (Tim) of DeRidder; six grandchildren, Garrett Thibodeaux (Amanda) of York, SC, Alyson Thibodeaux Cognevich (Matt) of Denham Springs, LA, Alayna Thibodeaux of Baton Rouge, LA, Wes Thibodeaux of Deville, LA, Will Thibodeaux of Elmer, LA, and Collin Nortman of DeRidder; and one sister, Lynda Lurry (Bill) of Alexandria, LA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Werner.
He was much loved and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends and former students, but, praise the Lord, there are no wheelchairs in Heaven! He's whole once again.
Additionally, the family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and love to Ms. Shawnda Harris for her compassionate care and companionship over the past year. You’re part of the family now, Shawnda.
Pallbearers will be Garrett Thibodeaux, Wes Thibodeaux, Will Thibodeaux, Collin Nortman, Jack White, and Perry Abel.
Honorary pallbearers are Dempsey Parden, Teddy Welch, George "Pargie" Abdalla, and Donald Corkern.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023, with a visitation starting at 12:00 PM until the service time will begin at 3:00 PM, in the Labby Memorial Chapel with Rev. George Lee Glass and Rev. Sam Burchard officiating. Interment will follow at the Talbert-Pierson Cemetery in Pitkin, LA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of DeRidder.
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