James Sidney Hotard

James Sidney “Jimmy” Hotard passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, just two weeks shy of his 97th birthday. Jimmy was born on August 15, 1927 in New Orleans. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Patricia Claire “Patsy” Talbot Hotard and their five children: Michael D. Hotard (Candy), Mary Claire Hotard, John A. Hotard, James S. Hotard, Jr. (Jane) and Patricia Hotard Breedy (Greg).

Affectionately called “Grandaddy”, Jimmy was an incredible, loving and involved grandfather to his grandchildren: Georgia, Olivia, Hobie (Greta), Juliette (Quinn), Cordy (Matt), Sarah, Elizabeth Allen, Katy (Mitchell), Sophia, Foster, James Riley, Claire, Isabella, Welsh, Jimbo, Lilly, Vivienne, Tommy, Ashlea, Daniel, Bryce, Garrett, and a Great “Grandaddy” to Jack. He was also an admired and loved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents Theophile Olivier Hotard and Florence Olroyd Hotard, an infant daughter, Julie Ann Hotard, and his eight brothers and sisters.

After graduating from Martin Behrman High School, Jimmy enlisted in the United States Navy and was a veteran of World War II. When he completed his service, he entered Louisiana State University and graduated in 1949 with a degree in Civil Engineering. While at LSU, he was honored to be a member of the Sigma Tau Sigma honorary engineering society. After graduation, Jimmy joined Boh Brothers Construction Co., where he spent his entire career. While an executive at Boh Brothers, Jimmy oversaw many successful projects which included building both Mississippi River Bridges, multiple I-10 expansions, many over and underpasses, as well as the paving of streets and subdivisions in South Louisiana. Throughout his career, he forged many lifelong friendships and became a mentor to many young engineers. Jimmy never met a stranger, and was known to be energetic, encouraging and positive.

Jimmy had immense love for his family. He was involved in all of his children’s activities, and this continued with his grandchildren. He was also involved in the Boy Scout Program and the proud father of three Eagle Scouts. He was an avid LSU and Saints fan. Another love that Jimmy had was the home that he and Patsy built in Pass Christian, Mississippi for their family. On many a summer night, one could find Jimmy fishing off the end of his pier.

Throughout his life, he participated at the schools that his children and grandchildren attended. He was the President of the St. Andrew Parents Club and a member of their Board, President of the Jesuit “Blue Jays” Parents Club as well as the Blue Jay Athletic Booster Club. He served as Chairman of the Jesuit Annual Giving Drive and distinguished himself as the first non-Jesuit graduate to do so. He was a Member of the Academy of the Sacred Heart Men’s Club and could always be found in their gym vocally and enthusiastically supporting the Cardinals. He was a member of the Catholic High Men’s Club and supporter of Christian Brothers School. Jimmy was also a lifelong member of Metairie Country Club, where he enjoyed many rounds of golf in the company of his friends, as well as the Bienville Club and several carnival organizations.

Jimmy loved God and whole heartedly practiced his Catholic Faith, a love that he and Patsy instilled in their children and grandchildren. He was active in the growth of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, of which he was a member for 63 years. As a young man, Jimmy was involved in the Knights of Columbus at Holy Name of Mary Parish in Old Algiers. He was an active member and achieved the honor of Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; a papal organization.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a visitation at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, located at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana at 10 am on Friday, August 16, 2024, followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 12 in the Lake Lawn Chapel. Interment will be at Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Catholic Charities, USA, Jesuit High School of New Orleans, or the Academy of the Sacred Heart.