James "Bruce" Humphreys

James Bruce Humphreys, passed away at his home in Long Beach, MS, on June 14th, 2022, the birthday of his beloved late son-in-law, Bob Creely. Bruce and Bob were most certainly celebrating together that evening with a couple of “popsicles” (beers) and toasting their grandson/son, Bobby Creely, on the prized speckled trout he reeled in that night – the largest he’s ever caught!

Bruce was born in New Orleans on April 8, 1938, to Leslie Bruce and Evelyn Strandvik Humphreys. The oldest of three children, he is survived by his sister, Karen Crenshaw, and brother, Robert Humphreys, as well as his six children, Kim Humphreys, Brian Humphreys (Jennifer), Kelly Creely, Jennifer McLelland (Jay), John Humphreys (Klea), and Brad Humphreys (Jessica).

An avid golfer, fisherman, life-long student, and dad joke aficionado, Bruce was immensely proud of all 11 of his grandchildren – Tyler, Reed, Chase, and Paige McLelland (Jennifer); Brice and Reece Humphreys (Brian); Bobby and Kyle Creely (Kelly); Lila and Emily Humphreys (Brad); and Francesco Humphreys (John) – who, following in their grandfather’s footsteps, are also quite accomplished students, golfers, fishermen, and jokesters.

Bruce graduated from East Jefferson High School in New Orleans, earned bachelor’s degrees from both Mississippi State University and Loyola University, and took college courses throughout most of his adult life, earning a myriad of degrees, certificates, and licenses in numerous fields of study, as well as an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps.

While he originally dreamed of becoming a pediatrician, ever the dutiful son, he instead stepped into one of his father’s businesses, before charting his own career path with the U.S. government. As the father of six, he never lost his bedside manner and could remove a splinter from a child’s finger with the patience and precision of a neurosurgeon.

Unfortunately, patience was not a trait he passed down to his children who often complained of having to hold the flashlight for what seemed an eternity, while he provided detailed instructions on whatever home repair or project he was working on.

Bruce was a hard worker and worked long hours for most of his life, but when he had a moment to relax at home in front of the TV, he was usually watching the PGA tour…with his eyes closed. He enjoyed country music – the original, old country music of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. However, he did foray into rap music briefly, when he placed a boombox in the attic to try to scare away a racoon that had temporarily moved in. It was a curious move given that Bruce was an entomologist, among other things, and once had a pest control business.

Among his many talents, Bruce was a creative recycler. He found many imaginative ways to repurpose a Bunny Bread bag, and Styrofoam coffee cups were a dominant part of his kitchen décor. But perhaps nowhere was his consummate recycling more evident than when, later in life, he welcomed home his favorite child, Diablo, a 90+ pound Rottweiler. Red Milk-Bone dog biscuit boxes were a favorite, stackable storage solution in Bruce’s home.

He adopted Diablo when John moved to Italy, and from then on, Diablo was always by his side. Diablo never talked back, asked to borrow the car, or cost Bruce a single penny in private school or college tuition. Perhaps it is fitting that the largest and most prominently displayed family photos in his home are of Diablo, even though he’s been gone for years. Surely, Diablo was waiting for him Tuesday night at Bob’s birthday celebration.

While Bruce often answered his children’s phone calls with dad humor such as, “Lapacola’s Grocery, you need some baloney?”, he always ended the calls the same way. “OK, Suga. Love y’all.”

He is so loved and missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, La on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 from 9am until 11 am. Graveside will follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. To view and sign the guestbook, please visit, www.lakelawnmetairie.com.