Mr. James "Eddie" Athay

James Edward Athay, age 73 years of the Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans, passed away on May 16, 2026. Son of the late Edward M. and Joan H. Athay. He is the brother of Martha Cranford (Mike) of Fuquay Varina, NC and uncle of Jay Horton (Dennice) of Everett, Washington and many cousins both on the east and west coast.

Athay was a native of Lexington, NC and a graduate of Lexington Senior High School in 1970; attended Western Carolina University and earned both a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degrees in English from Loyola University. He worked for the Arthur Young Accounting Firm in Washington, DC and Louisiana Life Magazine. He later owned the Captain’s Quarters Antique Store in New Orleans where he shared his lifelong passion for antiques, historical homes and architecture.

He is reunited with his true love, his husband, Dr. Billy Krajcirik, who preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date. In keeping with Ed’s generous spirit and lifelong desire to contribute to the greater good his final wish was to donate his body to medical education and research. In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorial donations are suggested to the National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130