James Robert “Jim Bob” Ourso passed away on October 22, 2025, at the age of 84. Jim Bob has been a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, married his childhood Sweetheart Martha Martin Ourso and together they raised their 3 children in Baton Rouge after Jim Bob graduated from Loyola School of Dentistry. He loved his faith and as a family they attended Our Lady of Mercy Church where he was a Vincentian. He also looked forward to his yearly retreat at Manresa which he started attending after his high senior retreat. That tradition of faith and love of Manresa continues to this day with his remaining son and his son-in-law. Many know him as Dr Jim Bob or Dr Ourso as he practiced Dentistry until he was 65 years old and he deeply loved his staff and patients; they were an extension of his family. He was on the Rural Life Board and enjoyed horseback riding, snow skiing and was known as a gifted gardener. Jim Bob is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Martha Martin Ourso; daughter, Allison Brigham (Chuck); son, Chad M. Ourso (Shawn); daughter-in-law, Becky Ourso; grandchildren, Martin Brigham (Katelyn), Walker Ourso, Hawkins Ourso, Catherine Ourso, Sarah Jack Ourso and Nicole Ourso; great-grandchildren, Dakota Brigham, Rosemary Brigham; sister, Carol Ann Bryan (Redfield); brothers, David M. Ourso (Jane) and J. Clifford Ourso, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and J. Clifford Ourso, Sr.; grandparents, Marie and William Day Pitchford, Bernadette and D.R. Ourso; son, Robert “Bob” T. Ourso; brother, William D. Ourso, Sr. and nephew, William D. Ourso Jr. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Nell Payne whose calm, sweet and kind demeanor always brought comfort to all, the exceptional care of Amedisys Hospice, his RN calm Danielle, Regina his kind aide, and sweet Angela who began the family's lovely association with Amedisys. Thank you all so much. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church (445 Marquette Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70806) on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, starting at 9:00am with Mass beginning at 10am. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Rabenhorst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.
