James M. West Jr.

James Maurice West, Jr. (Jim), Human Resource Director for ION Geophysical, passed away on Monday, November 7, 2011. Jim is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy Martino West, and his daughter, Frances Salinas (Carlos), his sisters, Angela Robichaux (Tony), Rebecca Robichaux (Greg) and his brother, Will Moore (Beth). Surrounded by a host of nieces and nephews that are too numerous to list, Jim also had many god children who were very dear to him. Completing Jim's family was "da boys" as he lovingly referred to Simon, Felix and Moses. He was preceded in death by his parents, James M. West Sr., and Marilyn Chapman Moore (William).

Jim was born in Euclid, Ohio, and he spent his childhood and youth in both Houma and New Orleans. He received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Loyola University, New Orleans, and his Master of Social Work degree from Southern University at New Orleans. Throughout his life, Jim's commitment to his community blended well with his passion for social justice and his love for south Louisiana. Jim spent seven wonderful years in Atlanta, Georgia where he also embraced the beauty of the N. Georgia Mountains. In addition, Jim's commitment to community was evident in his service as both an advisor in the Order of DeMolay in Georgia and as the Executive Officer of the DeMolay in the jurisdiction of Louisiana. In the final leg of Jim's human journey, he sought to provide spiritual guidance to his community and earned his doctorate of divinity from St.Waldobo University and then served as both priest and bishop in the North American Old Catholic Church.

On November 7, 2011, at exactly 2:13 am, Jim's final journey ended when he no doubt heard the words of the father: "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased".

In Jim's memory, the family requests that contributions be made to the North American Old Catholic Church, P.O. Box 48211, Washington, DC 20002.

Services will be conducted Saturday, November 12, 2011, at Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St, New Orleans, with visitation from 9-11am followed by a mass and reception. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com