James "Jimmy" Pellerin, a man of unwavering faith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to all, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Calcutta House, surrounded by his loving family. He was 83 years old.
Born on October 25, 1940, in rural Iberia Parish to the late Balthazar J. Pellerin and Estelle Hebert Pellerin, Jimmy was one of 18 children. Throughout his life, he exemplified the values of kindness, compassion, and service to others.
Jimmy's career was marked by dedication to serving his community. He spent three decades as a Manager with Winn Dixie in New Iberia, Jeanerette and Baton Rouge before joining Iberia Bank as a Loan Officer and Branch Manager. Later, he worked alongside his twin brother Johnny at Cypress Bayou Casino as a Compliance Officer for the Chitimacha Tribal Gaming Commission until his retirement 24 years later.
Outside of his career, Jimmy was a man of great faith. He was a parishioner of both St. Marcellus Catholic Church in Rynella and Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in New Iberia, and attended Mass faithfully. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7050 and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Msgr. J M Langlois Assembly 0321 (Past Grand Knight). Some of Jimmy's pastimes included taking care of his home and yard, casino trips with Dana, and talking with people. Dana shared, "Jimmy never met a stranger. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him". But his greatest love was that of his family. He lived his life for them and made sure that they were loved and cared for.
Although we will miss him dearly, we rejoice in knowing that he is not gone from us, only gone on before us, and we will one day be reunited with him. Until that precious day, rest well in your Glory. We love you
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Dana Longstreth Pellerin, and their children Brian James Pellerin (Denise) and Cheryl Pellerin Foco (Steve). He adored his grandchildren Emily Pellerin Bulanov (Andrey), Nicole Pellerin (Jacob), Blake Foco (Shyra), and Taylor Foco (Billy), as well as his great-granddaughter Eliza Blake Foco. His memory will also be cherished by his brothers, Joseph "Junior" Pellerin (Clarice) and his identical twin, John "Johnny" Pellerin (Eunice), his God Children, Arthur James Pellerin and Ricky John Pellerin; his "Church Wives", Irma Glaubrecht, Rita Broussard, and Mozelle Fletcher; his special friend, Angela Thibodaux, who brought him groceries and snacks after driving was no longer an option; and his special caregiver, Tamara Fusilier.
Along with his parents, Jimmy is preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Pellerin, Hazel Pellerin, Roberta Pellerin, Mildred Segura, Odette Segura and Ethel Viator; and his brothers, Robert, John Leroy, Irving, Willie, Daniel, Arthur, Roy, Warren and Nolan, Sr.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Jimmy's life will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 2:00 pm at St. Marcellus Catholic Church, with Fr. Keith Landry as the celebrant. Following the mass, he will be laid to rest in St. Marcellus Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Monday from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with the rosary being recited at 7:00 pm. Visiting hours will resume on Tuesday from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm dismissal. It was Jimmy's wish that everyone dress comfortable, so please feel free to wear your favorite pair of jeans and shirt.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Blake Foco, Steve Foco, Johnny Pellerin, Billy Chapman, Ty Thibodaux and Jacob. Honorary pallbearers are Emily Bulanov, Nicole Pellerin, Taylor Foco, Randy Dronet, Joe Dressel, Irma Glaubrecht, Rita Broussard and Mozelle Fletcher.
The family was very pleased and grateful for the care and compassion shown to Jimmy and our family while at Calcutta House. Please consider a memorial donation to Calcutta House at Hospice of Acadiana, 105 St. Christopher St. Lafayette, LA 70506 in Jimmy's name.
Family and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Jimmy's memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is entrusted with the arrangements.
