Jim Eric Peckenpaugh

Jimmy was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2015, and part of his journey included raising awareness and funds to support others in the ALS community, while also contributing to finding a cure. Former New Orleans Saint and ALS patient, Steve Gleason, was a huge inspiration to Jimmy, and the Gleason Foundation became both a resource for living with the disease and also an extended family. As a way to fight back against his enemy, ALS, Jimmy founded The Boo Classic Golf Tournament to benefit the Steve Gleason Foundation. One of his lasting legacies is that his tournament raised more than $125,000 in the three years of its existence.

Jimmy was born in Dyersberg, Tennessee on November 19, 1945 and raised in Cleveland, Mississippi. He was employed by Lanier & Associates, Consulting Engineers, for more than 28-years. Jimmy was an avid golfer with four holes-in-one to his credit. Jimmy was competitive in dirt bike racing for many years; he was a co-founder of Acadiana Dirt Riders in Lafayette, Louisiana, and one of the first members of that club to achieve “A” rider status in the Southern Enduro Riders Association. In his early 20’s, Jimmy was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Hero Medal for his courage in saving the life of a badly burned coworker in an offshore oil well fire. The inscription on the award reads, ‘for risking your life to an extraordinary degree to save the life of another.’

Jimmy was an inspiration to so many people who drew strength from his resilience and unwavering positive spirit in the face of adversity. He was the beloved husband of his wife of 31-years Lee Ann Faulk-Peckenpaugh, and father to Jamie Peckenpaugh Hall (Nigel). He was the son of the late Mary Lee Luckett and Bill Peckenpaugh; brother to Carolyn Peckenpaugh Booker (Richard) and loving uncle to his many nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his extended family Tammy Warren (Walt), and grandsons Collin, Reid and Peyton Warren. The family also acknowledges Toni Marcello Peckenpaugh for her continued support through the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Jimmy’s Life on January 4th, 2020, the location to be announced via CaringBridge.org. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Team Gleason Foundation in Jimmy’s memory: PO BOX 24493 New Orleans, LA 70184. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at https://www.caringbridge.org/public/jimmypeckenpaugh