James Robert Commagere, Jr.

James Robert Commagere, Jr. passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023 at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Orleans on December 10, 1939 to the late James Robert Commagere, Sr. and Constance Woulfe Commagere.

Jimmy attended St. Rita’s Elementary and Alcée Fortier High School and enjoyed his summer vacations at Clermont Harbor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and found camaraderie and lifelong friendships as a member of Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Sigma Pi, and the Alumni Association. He held a special place in his heart for his former St. Rita’s classmates, regularly gathering for luncheons and reunions throughout his adult life.

Jimmy had a successful career in the insurance business, retiring in 2019 from Stone Insurance after 26 years of dedicated service. No stranger to celebration, Jimmy embraced the revelry of Mardi Gras and was an active member of several carnival organizations. His presence atop a ladder on the Napoleon Ave neutral ground was a familiar sight on Fat Tuesday, as he caught more throws than the children around him.

Jimmy was also an accomplished tennis player, golfer, and avid fisherman. His legendary fishing trips along the Louisiana coast are an integral part of his legacy, with his fishing tales as captivating as the fishing rodeo trophies he often earned. He generously shared his passion for fishing with family, friends, and the community, creating the Christian Brothers Foundation Fishing Rodeo and Holy Name of Jesus Fishing Rodeo, and was an essential player in forming the Jesuit High School Fishing Rodeo. Jimmy’s unwavering zest for life, comforting smile, and magnetic personality meant he never met a stranger and his legacy serves as a reminder to approach every day as an opportunity to go fishing.

He is preceded in death by his sisters Evelyn C. Laborde (Doc) and Mary Constance C. Roth. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Ann Rowley Commagere, his adoring children, James R. Commagere III, Michelle C. Fuller (Andrew), Nicole M. Commagere, Edward R. Commagere (Victoria), Colette C. Seale (Jeremy), Ann Marie C. Hijuelos (Jason), and Robert N. Commagere. He is also survived by his sister Martha C. Culpepper (Pat). He was “Papa Jim” to his 13 beautiful grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to VitalCaring Group for their compassionate support and care. Family and friends are invited to attend services at Lake Lawn Funeral Home in Metairie, LA on Friday, August 18, 2023. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 12:00pm with Mass and burial to follow.

A “Celebration of Life" reception will be held following funeral services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jimmy’s name to Christian Brothers Foundation, #8 Friederichs Ave., New Orleans, LA 70124 or Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St., New Orleans, LA 70119.