James Francis "Jim" Hubbard

Jim had an extraordinary gift for storytelling. He could captivate an audience with the smallest details, weaving tales as if he were a writer himself. Anyone who knew him could attest: he made every story an adventure.

He began his lifelong career in the oil industry with Exxon, launching in New Orleans—a city he would come to love deeply. It was there that he met the love of his life on a blind date. From that moment, he never looked back.

Avid reader and passionate lifelong learner, Jim especially enjoyed science fiction, fantasy, and every novel by John Grisham. He loved all things New Orleans—its music, food, and festivals, with a special fondness for Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest. Wherever he found a seat at the bar, he turned strangers into friends.

Sports, music, and family trips were central to his life. He followed college basketball and hockey with enthusiasm, and even learned to surf while in high school in Hawaii. The Beach Boys and Willie Nelson topped Jim’s music charts for decades. Jim especially cherished family beach trips and sharing his love of wine—particularly reds from the Willamette Valley or Burgundy—over meals with friends and family.

Jim was an incredibly proud father and grandfather, passing down his unyielding work ethic, sharp wit, and sense of humor to the next generation. Everything he did was for his family and for life’s enjoyment. He volunteered with the New Orleans Opera Association and took pleasure in sharing his passions with his community.

True to his spirited personality, Jim had strong opinions—about paper towels, fast food, mayo, desserts (chocolate only!), and soft drinks (Barq’s Cream Soda above all). He could hockey-puck a burger on the grill like no one else and never missed a chance to honor culinary legends like Beulah Ledner and her famous doberge cake, thanks to Marcia.

Despite all his accomplishments and adventures, Jim remained, above all, a reader. He donated books to his community library regularly, though his own shelves remained full—a testament to a lifetime of curiosity and love of stories.

Jim is survived by his dedicated wife of 58 years, Marcia Tassin Hubbard; his children, Christine (Wade), David (Nicole), and Caroline (Steve); his grandchildren, Evelyn, Colin, and Noah; and other close family and friends. He will be remembered for his stories, his laughter, and his unwavering love of life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Hubbard and Dorothy M. Hubbard.

A private celebration of Jim’s life will be held in June. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Friends of Jefferson Parish Public Library.