Jimmy Soileau

Opelousas - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for James "Jimmy" Soileau, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas.  Monsignor Russell Harrington will celebrate the Mass.  Rite of Committal and interment will follow in the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington, La.

Visitation will be held in the Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  A Rosary will be prayed at 1:00 p.m. by Deacon Dwayne Joubert.

Mr. Soileau, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at his residence.

Jimmy served his country proudly in the United States Air Force.  Jimmy worked as a diesel mechanic for JL Hebert's Engine Sales and Service for 36 years.  He also was the Constable for Ward 5 for 34 years.  He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing and gardening.  Jimmy loved cooking and spending time with his family and grandchildren at the camp.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elaine Joubert Soileau; his daughters, Jerelyn Mayeux and husband, David, Tina Soileau, Dawn Hargroder and husband, Marty; his brother, B.J. "Black" Soileau and wife, Glenda and his sisters-in-law, Patsy Soileau, Linda Joubert and Joyce Joubert.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicholas Mayeux, Dr. Alex Mayeux, Benjamin Mayeux, Emily Hargroder; his great-grandchild, David James Mayeux and his grand dog, Max.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilray and Alida Fontenot Soileau; his brothers, Gerald Soileau and Leo Soileau; his brother-in-law, Vernon Joubert and his sister-in-law, Lois Joubert.

Pallbearers will be David Mayeux, Nicholas Mayeux, Dr. Alex Mayeux, Doyle Billeaudeau, Marty Hargroder and David Soileau.

The family would like to thank Mr. Jimmy's caregivers, Rexine Vige, Kathy Bergeron and Lashonda Rubin, Dr. Patrick Gillespie, MD and the staff of Louisiana Hospice & Palliative Care.

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

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