James Thomas Goodwin, Sr.

James Thomas Goodwin, Sr. was born on April 5, 1949 to Willis “Eluse” and Evia Nero Goodwin in Church Point, Louisiana. He was the eleventh child of twelve children. He attended Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Church Point, Louisiana at a young age; where he was baptized and made his first Communion. He lived in Lake Charles for the past 60 years. He was a long-time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where he made his Confirmation.

Mr. Goodwin passed away at 10:10 PM on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at his daughter’s residence surrounded by his family at age of 71.

He attended public schools in Acadia and Calcasieu Parish. He attended Washington High School and was an avid football and basketball player. He worked for Local 207 as a construction worker until he went to work for PPG.  In the mid-70’s he started working for PPG Industries as an operator and later promoted as supervisor for 35 plus years until his retirement in 2010. 

Mr. Goodwin could often be found watching westerns on Grit and he especially cherished family gatherings and spending time with family. He was an easy going person that never met a stranger. He was a very good father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He enjoyed horse riding, trail rides, motorcycle riding and travel to new places. He accepted Christ in his life.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Christina Goodwin of Opelousas, Jamie Goodwin, Jackie Goodwin, and James Goodwin, Jr. all of Lake Charles; siblings, Norma Goodwin and Paul Goodwin (Agnes) all of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Jasmine Goodwin, Jayla Augusta, Jamyra and Roland Pete, Deonte and Javonte Goodwin, Dammon and Damiya White, Mariah and James T. Goodwin, III, Brooklyn, Leah, Ava, and  Courtlyn Williams, and Ja’Zailon Goodwin; and great grandchildren, Leighton Elaine Goodwin, Jayden D. Thomas, and JaKhylan A. Augusta. His godchild: Joseph Anderson of Houston, Texas. A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Mary Joyce Citizen- Goodwin; parents, Evia and Willis Goodwin, Sr., and siblings: Sylvia, Carlton, Clara, Mary, Martin, Peter, Willis Goodwin, Jr., Mildred Goodwin-Leday and Anne Goodwin-Larden (Anthony).

Visitation will be held on March 27, 2021 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, with a Rosary at 10:00 AM at Johnson Funeral Home, 2171 North Hwy 171, Moss Bluff, Louisiana 70611.  A  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2031 Opelousas Street, Lake Charles Louisiana 70601.  Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery.