He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Myra Ann Guillot Ledet, as well as his parents, James H. Ledet Sr. and Margaret Koper Ledet, and his youngest sister, Noelie Ledet Morgan.
Jim is survived by his children, James “Trey” Ledet, III (Karen), Jan Ledet Diaz, John Ledet (Ros) and Jeffery Ledet (Paula), grandchildren, Bradley Ledet, 2LT Antonio Diaz (USMC), Christian Ledet, Rachel Ledet, Robyn Ledet, Mitchell Ledet, Lauren Ledet, and Emma Ledet, his sister, Anna Ledet Guillot.
He is also survived by his companion, Susan Bowman, and her daughter Maureen "Beanie" Bowman (who have been his main prime-caretakers over the years when he was at home), and her son Tommy Bowman and Linna Alcoser. They have been a part of the Ledet Family for the past 16 years. He will also be missed dearly by a host of other loving family and friends.
James was a proud graduate of St. Aloysius High School in New Orleans. Upon graduation, he attended Loyola University in New Orleans. He enlisted in October of 1958 with the Louisiana Army National Guard – Charlie Battery 935 Field Artillery, Jackson Barracks. Jim completed his Basic Training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and IDT Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon returning to Jackson Barracks, he was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 935 Field Artillery Battalion. During his six years, he was a Fire Direction NCO, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, and served proudly as a member of this distinguished unit. He was honorably discharged in October of 1964 and was awarded several medals including Louisiana’s 5 Year Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
Jim retired from his professional career as a Market Manager for Bendix Corporation serving the automotive aftermarket industry. This allowed Jim time to volunteer and indulge his other pursuits such as boiling, broiling, grilling, cooking, and barbequing to perfection, especially for his beloved grandchildren. He was always a special supporter of St. Aloysius High School and Brother Martin High School, and enjoyed coaching at Lakeshore Playground in Metairie and for the Mardi Gras Track Club.
In retirement, Jim returned to the Washington Artillery, his beloved unit. From that moment until his health declined, he was a very active member of the Washington Artillery Veterans Association (WAVA). He served as a board member, First Vice-President, and was a two term President of the WAVA. As a Perpetual Member of WAVA, Jim enjoyed all the events and camaraderie. The annual Laying of the Wreath and the Pass and Review were dear to him even when his health excluded his attendance. Among the membership and awards Jim received, he was most proud of his Saint Barbara Medal because of his proactive contributions to the Artillery and WAVA.
The family would like to thank East Jefferson General Hospital and their entire staff for the outstanding care given to Jim.
Relatives and friends, as well as the members of WAVA and members of the 141st Field Artillery Bn. Washington Artillery at Jackson Barracks are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie, LA. Visitation will held from 9AM-11AM with a Funeral Mass to being at 11AM. Interment and military honors will follow at Cypress Grove Cemetery, 120 City Park Ave. New Orleans, LA.
In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made in Jim’s honor to the Washington Artillery Veterans Association, payable to WAVA at 6400 St. Claude Avenue, Jackson Barracks, Box 12, New Orleans, LA 70117; being this is an organization that he held so near and dear to his heart for so many years.
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