Patricia "Pat" James

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Patricia “Pat” Bishop James on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas at 1:30 p.m.

Patricia Bishop James passed away on September 11, 2022 in Opelousas, Louisiana at home after a lengthy illness.

Pat was born in Fordoche, Louisiana in Point Coupee parish on July 24th, 1930, to Walter H. and Adele Guerin Bishop. She graduated from Livonia High School after attending St Joseph’s Academy in New Orleans and middle school in Henderson, Nevada during World War II. She attended McNeese College (1949), Northwestern University (1951) and LSU School of Social Work where she received her MSW (1954).  She was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, Student Government, the campus newspaper, as well as the homecoming courts.  She worked in Baton Rouge for the State of Louisiana in foster care case management and adoption until the birth of her first child.  For her entire life, she read the Morning Advocate for news of the children she had placed until the Advocate went to the zoned editions much to her constant irritation.

Her husband, Laddie James, was in the construction business which took them to various cities in Louisiana.  They decided to settle in Opelousas, start Prairie Construction Company and raise their children.  Their marriage was a true partnership in support of each other’s interests and opportunities.

Pat was an avid gardener and maintained her many large gardens.  She also read the papers from cover to cover and was well versed on the news so that she could inform as well as opine on current events.  She was the greatest trainer and caregiver of stray dogs that ever lived.  Her husband was quoted as saying, “When I die, I want to come back as one of Pat’s dogs”.

Pat and Laddie travelled the world, often in their own plane, landing in places that now cause their children to question their judgement.  Pat said recently that she “never expected the life they had and they had so much fun”.  She had a lifelong curiosity about nature and the world, especially Mexico, that she and her husband shared and have passed on to their family.

She was predeceased by her infant brother WH Bishop, her parents, Walter and Adele Bishop, her son Michael James, and her husband Laddie James.  She is survived by her two daughters, Beth James (Dave Malone) and Laurie James Ricchiuti (Peter Ricchiuti). She is also survived by grandchildren:  Adele Hunt, Matthew Ricchiuti, William Ricchiuti, and John Malone; 5 great grandchildren; niece, Teri James Casso, nephews, Jamie James and Ed DeLaune and sisters -in -law Billie J. DeLaune and Al Jo James.

The family wishes to thank friends for the support they have received through the years who are too many to mention.  The caregivers, Chelsea Sylvester, Ranatta Richard and Rica Richard and nurse Vicky Hearne from Amedysis hospice care.  We would also like to acknowledge her Mexico families of Maria de los Angeles Tovar Gomez and Teresa Sanchez Marquez.

Finally, the family asks that in honor of Pat you write your Senator and ask for the repeal of Day Light Saving Time.  If you ever spoke to her in March or October this needs no explanation.

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.