Michael John Starr

I, Mike Starr, died at the age of 62 of ALS, sometimes known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Ironically, one of my favorite childhood movies was The Pride of the Yankees, the Lou Gehrig Story. Lou Gehrig had superb baseball skills, but more importantly, he was portrayed as a modest man who cared about other people.

Just as Lou Gehrig said at his final baseball game, I consider myself to be the luckiest man in the world, because of all the amazing people that God has brought into my life.

I am survived by my wife of 42 years, Joy Bailey Starr. God brought us together in high school and we have been soulmates ever since. Joy has been at my side through all the good years, as well as the more recent difficult times. And I consider myself lucky to have spent so much of my life with such an amazing person.

I am also survived by two wonderful sons, Jeremy Starr and Neil Starr. I am so proud of both of my sons, as I have watched them grow into responsible husbands and fathers.

I thank God for bringing two caring and loving women into my sons' lives, Brigette Brunken Starr to my son Jeremy and Tia Swingen Starr to my son Neil.

And my two sons have fathered two sons each, giving me four precious grandsons. Jeremy is father to Jasper Starr and Sam Starr, while Neil is father to Nova Starr and Aiden Starr. I really cherish the years that I have had to spend with my grandsons and I plan to watch with pride as my little buddies grow into men.

In my 40 year career in the financial services industry, I have worked alongside many quality coworkers, and I have served as financial advisor to many clients and their families. Throughout four decades of having a working relationship with my clients, I began to think of these people as more than clients. Many of my clients became good friends, and I thank God for giving me the honor to know such good people.

So as I pass to another realm of existence, I truly thank God for introducing me to so many good people, as family and friends. And for this reason, I truly consider myself to be the luckiest man in the world.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Service at Celebration Church, 2001 Airline Dr. in Metairie on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations to the ALS Association Louisiana/Mississippi Chapter, www.webla.alsa.org, preferred. Condolences may be offered at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.