Jimmy W. Giessler

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille in Lafayette for James "Jimmy" W. Giessler, 67, who passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. The Reverend Laurent De Prins, Rector of Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Opelousas, will officiate at the services.

Survivors include his loving wife of 28 years Marsha Layton Giessler; two sons, Ryan Faul and his wife Amy and Jon Stephens; daughter, Rachael Stephens Pursifull and her husband Jope; grandchildren, Paxton Deichmann; step-grandchildren, Emma Williams, Nick Pursifull, Jacob Pursifull, Cameron Pursifull, Michael Pursifull, and Wesleigh Pursifull; two sisters-in-law, Susan Ourston and her wife Jacquie Bourdens and Karen Delcambre and her husband Bill; one brother-in-law, Steve Layton and his wife Susan; nieces, Chawn Chastant, Emma Kinross and her husband Spencer, Elizabeth Layton, and Michelle Layton; nephews, Eric Ourston and his wife Liz, Conrad Delcambre and his wife Sheena, and Tyler Delcambre and his wife Julia; his extended family, Rebecca De Prins, Christian De Prins, and Laurent and Kaitlin De Prins; his best man, Reggie Jackson and his wife Melissa Scott; and his beloved pups, Jolie and Max.

Preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Mary Giessler; brother, Charles “Shorty” Giessler; mother-in-law, Frances Frusha Layton; father-in-law, O.W. Layton; and nephew, Stevie Layton.

To know Jimmy, was to know a man who had a zest for life with a kind heart, love for nature and all things outdoors. Traveling to many places on his motorcycle and hiking around God’s beautiful landscapes was a love that Jimmy always had within him. He truly appreciated all of God’s given nature which surrounded him. For the many people who knew and loved him, everyone, especially the ones dearest to him, felt that same love and appreciation for Jimmy.

Simply having him in your life, no matter how big or small, was one of the sweetest blessings any one person could have. To know him was to love him. He was a man filled with compassion, honesty, love, and a child-like heart. He was always someone you wanted to be around and talk to. Despite all the challenges in his life, even after his accident, he remained a positive light to everyone around him. He had a brilliant mind, and he found ways to continue learning, working on programs, and doing things on the computer, even without the use of his hands. He was determined to be a part of the tech world he loved so much.

He also had a deep appreciation of music which encompassed all genres. Jimmy was always open to listening and learning about any and all types of music, but his real enjoyment was seeing the joy and wonder on other peoples’ faces when he spent time with them in his music room and was able to share his love for sound, ambience, and high-quality speakers allowing them to experience the way those things contribute to having a great experience with music. He would say “The only way to listen to music is really loud and with great equipment!” When he wasn’t hanging out in his music room, you would find him enjoying the outdoors or simply being anywhere Marsha was. Marsha was his heart, soul, and his one true love. No matter where she was, it was where he wanted to be. There was no Jimmy without Marsha, and everyone around them knew that; it wasn’t only seen, it was felt, it was magnetic! Like any love story theirs wasn’t perfect, but it was filled with forgiveness, adventures, dancing in the living room, date nights, love letters, and a true foundation of friendship - they were each other’s best friend.

In addition to all of his many passions and interests (like Marsha and the pups), he made sure to make time for his children and grandson and to be truly present in their lives.

Jimmy was always so thankful for the abundance of love and support from his close friends and family, which are too many to list. Thank you all for bringing light and love into his life and our family. We were beyond blessed to have caregivers who instantly loved us and “our Jimmy” and became our extended family: Reggie Jackson, Kayla Frances, and Ashley Marx. Words could never express the love and gratitude we have for each one of you. We will hold you in our hearts forever.

If you want to honor this amazing man’s life, he would want you to spread his genuine kindness, love for nature, but most of all, his love for others - no matter your race, skin color, religious beliefs, or background. He simply loved people and he loved life. He was always there for you no matter what physical or mental struggles he was going through; he showed pure selflessness.

Jimmy, words can never express the hole that is now in our hearts since you left this world. Nothing will be able to fill this void in our lives. We know you are up there enjoying all the beauty of this world with Coal and Aja by your side.

The family requests that visitation be observed at Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN location on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 11:30 AM until time of services.