James Reynold Fontenot

James Reynold Fontenot, a beloved educator, coach, and family man, passed away peacefully at his residence in Opelousas, Louisiana, on February 22, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on December 3, 1936, in Washington, Louisiana, James devoted his life to education and community service, leaving a mark on all who had the privilege to know him.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, Louisiana. A Rosary service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening led by the Queen of Angels Rosary Group. Visitation will continue on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 8:00 am until 11:30 am. The Funeral Service will be held in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at 12:00 pm with The Very Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen officiating. Rite of Committal and interment will follow at St. Peter Catholic Church Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Louisiana. 

The pallbearers will be Gene Soileau, Marty Soileau, Jeffery Coreil, Ronnie Credeur, Joe Fontenot, Hunter Fontenot, Evan Knapp and Ryan Knapp. Honorary pallbearers will be Allen “Al” Fontenot and James Fontenot II. 

James attended and completed high school at AIC in 1955. He was a proud alumnus of U.S.L., having earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education and Social Studies in 1960 where he was the Student Government Vice President, a member of the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, and Vice President of the Delta Sigma Phi National Social Fraternity. He continued his academic pursuit with a master’s degree from LSU- BR completed in 1965 and additional 30 Plus + coursework beyond that in 1967.

James began his distinguished teaching and coaching career at Opelousas Catholic from 1959 until 1962. His passion for teaching led him to Eunice High School from 1963 to 1968, and he would later join LSU of Eunice, where he taught and coached track, football and served on the Faculty Committees. During his tenure there, James was promoted from instructor to assistant professor for the academic year 1971-1972, reflecting his dedication and commitment to his students and their success.

His leadership skills further flourished as he took on the role of Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Carencro Catholic during 1987-1988. He worked as a volunteer with the Lafayette Parish School Board Substance Abuse Program. After decades of inspiring young minds, he retired as principal at Lawtell Elementary in 2002, sealing a remarkable career in education.

His contributions extended beyond the classroom; James actively engaged in various clubs and organizations, serving on boards for the Eunice Jaycees, Optimist Club, Louisiana Coaches Association, LSU Track Official Association, Acadiana Track Official Association, and Oil Patch Track Club of Lafayette. His strong will and family support as his daughter’s track coach led them to compete in the AAU National Championships in California and 1988 Junior Olympics in Korea. He and his wife, Joyce traveled the country as Diamond Directors with Amway Enterprise Corporation. 

A devout Catholic, James was an esteemed former parishioner of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Lafayette, Louisiana, and remained a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. His faith guided him in every aspect of his life, and he wore his devotion proudly.

James cherished his family deeply, and they were always at the forefront of his heart. He was married to Joycelyn Daspit Fontenot for 59 wonderful years. Together, they raised three children: Andre Fontenot Knapp and her husband, Ryan of Lafayette, LA; James R. Fontenot II and his wife, Candiace of Sulphur, LA; and Allen "Al" J. Fontenot and his wife, Lara McCallum of Queensland, Australia. He took immense pride in being a grandfather to Alayna Knapp, Evan Knapp, Taylor Fontenot, James "Jay" Fontenot, Hunter Fontenot, Broc Fontenot, and Allen John "A.J." Fontenot. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind a host of godchildren, cousins, and extended family and friends who will miss his warmth and nurturing spirit. He loved his family and was a great role model and enjoyed learning more about his family by doing genealogy. He encouraged, supported and cheered for his family and grandchildren through life, school and sporting events. 

Remembering his parents, Allen P. Fontenot and Hester E. Fontenot, who preceded him in death, James's legacy of love and support will echo through the memories of all those he touched throughout his life. 

The family would like to send a very special thank you to his daughter, Andre’ Knapp, close friends: David and Mae Brooks, Patrick and Tracy Broussard; and the staff of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home Rehab and Dr. Hunt DeBlanc for the care they gave James. They would also like to thank Ellis and Laura Noel, Bernie and Mary Beth Sloan, Gene and Janise Soileau, and Joe and Claudia Fontenot, the Our Lady Queen of Angels Rosary Group for supporting and visiting James. 

James has left us, but his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he inspired and cherished.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com. 

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.