A native of Opelousas and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Arthur Jackson Perrault, Jr., died on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the age of 95. Jack, as he was known by family and friends, was a member of the Greatest Generation. Jack was born in Opelousas on August 20, 1926, to Dr. Arthur Jackson Perrault and Aline Castille Perrault. With his father’s approval, Jack enlisted in the service at the age of 17. He was a US Marine Corps veteran, who served his country in two wars. Jack was stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II where he prepared for an invasion of Japan that was preempted by the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Jack also served his country in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952.
A 1950 graduate of LSU, Jack earned his degree in civil engineering. In 1958, he founded the civil engineering firm Perrault & Perrault, Inc., with his brother Charles. They enjoyed a long and successful partnership lasting over three decades during which they contributed to the development of campuses, municipalities, and skylines throughout Louisiana and the Southeast. Jack was a pilot, scuba diver, snow skier, dirt biker, and hunter who sought adventure and fellowship. From diving in Belize to hunting pheasant in South Dakota, Jack collected a lifetime of great stories and a bevy of friends who enjoyed them. His larger-than-life personality entertained generations of longtime patrons at The Pastime Lounge, The Fairway View, The Hawk’s Nest and The Cotton Club. He was a beloved member of the Baton Rouge community for more than seventy-two years, and he will be missed by friends and family who appreciated his broad grin and easy manner. Jack is survived by his son, Arthur Jackson Perrault III “Jackson,” his sister, Estelle Perrault of Opelousas; his brother, Charles “Swatty” Perrault and wife Carolyn; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Mason Perrault. His family is grateful for his many longtime friends, especially Tim Workman who regularly visited Jack and brought him to The Pastime Lounge on Saturdays. A memorial service will be held at Rabenhorst in Downtown Baton Rouge on Saturday, July 16 at 10:00 am. A graveside service with military honors will take place on Saturday, July 23 at 11:00 am at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery in Opelousas.
