James Timothy Strahan

James Strahan, a long-time educator in Calcasieu Parish, passed away (date, place, etc) Mr. Strahan was born in a share cropper's house near Rayville, LA, on October 25, 1940. He and his family moved to Lake Charles some time later, and then to Westlake.

Mr. Strahan attended Westlake High School where he participated in basketball, track, band and recreation baseball. His school years were very special because of his many friends and activities in which he was involved.

After high school, James attended McNeese State College where he received a B.A. Degree in social studies and a M.ed in Administration/Supervision. Later he added the +30 and completed the five year Professional Improvement Program (PIPS).

Mr. Strahan taught social studies at Westlake High School, later to become S.P. Arnett Middle School, for twelve years. In 1976 he was promoted to assistant principal at Moss Bluff Elementary School, and later to principal. He spent twenty-eight years at this wonderful school, and retired in 2004. He always considered his time at Moss Bluff Elementary as the best years of his forty plus years with the Calcasieu Parish School System.

After retirement Mr. Strahan did volunteer work, assisted with senior citizen projects through the West-Cal Kiwanis Club and enjoyed presenting awards to students for outstanding achievements. He served as a substitute teacher in various schools and considered this as a way to remain a part of the educational process he loved so dearly. He also enjoyed his affiliation with the Chamber of Commerce organization, SCORE, and the many learned individuals that made up this group. He was very adamant about what he believed, and he wrote many articles to the American Press in support of schools and teachers.

James loved the outdoors and the many activities it promised. His love for horses was a life-long passion, and he relished the years of owning horses and the many hours spent riding. In his early years, he and several other men started a rider's club that was enjoyed by young, and not so young, for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, riding his jet ski with his family and just watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Of course, the greatest recreational pleasure for James, was traveling and camping with his family in the western United States.

Mr. Strahan leaves to carry on his memory, his wife of 58 years, Harriet Strahan, three sons, Eric; Jarrod and Heath Strahan; Four grandchildren, Katherine; Ashleigh; Emily and Lane Strahan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Strahan and sister, Mary Goughnour.

Mr. Strahan leaves as his legacy to all youngsters to work hard and realize that they are the future of this great country in which they live. Please realize that without an education you do not have a future. Don't ever let anyone shake you loose from this realization, regardless of peer pressure or any other obstacle that may appear in your life.

The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake on Friday, March 17, 2023 beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Saturday, March 18, 2023 beginning at 8:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life to begin at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tunnel To Towers Foundation at (https://t2t.org/)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Strahan family.