James "Jim" Courtney, Sr.

James “Jim” Michael Courtney, Sr., 80, of Lake Charles, LA, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, March 25, 2022 in a Lafayette, LA hospital.

Jim was born January 8, 1942 in Port Austin, MI, where he graduated from Port Austin High School.  Fifty years ago, he came to Lake Charles to visit his sister, but he met and married the love of his life, Gail, and has remained in Lake Charles ever since.  For almost fifty years, he has worked in maintenance for various apartment complexes, including Fleur de Leis and Paulme’ Chalet Apartments.  He recently retired but was always willing to help his neighbors and friends with any repairs they needed.  Jim had a love of not only fixing things, but he also enjoyed working on his 1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda.  He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, where he served as an usher.  He was devoted to his faith and could be found at the church daily for Mass and communion and always dedicated three hours a week to Adoration.  Jim loved spending time with his family, especially at Christmas Celebrations and his barbeque’ s.  He was known as “Dad” to many who knew and loved him and as “Dear” to the one that loved his most.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-five years, Gail Courtney, whom he always referred to as “Honey”; children, Susan Courtney of WY, Rick Courtney and companion Kelly Foster of Moss Bluff, Jimmy Courtney, Jr. of Lake Charles, Shane Duhon of Ragley, and Tonya Courtney and companion Virgil Turner of Lake Arthur; brothers, John Courtney and wife Kathy of Florida and Richard “Dick” Courtney of Michigan; sister, Ruth Leger of Lake Charles; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Courtney was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Elizabeth Courtney.

His funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.  Father Levi Thompson will officiate.  Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation will be at University Baptist Church on Monday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a rosary at 7:00 PM.  Visitation will continue on Tuesday at University Baptist Church from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM.