James Dewey Thibodeaux

James Dewey Thibodeaux (Jim or Jimmy) passed away on November 14, 2020 at the age of 73 in the warmth of his home. Jim was born in New Orleans, LA, and resided in Northridge, CA. Son of the late Dewey J. Thibodeaux and Claire S. Thibodeaux, and brother of the late Susan T. Compagno (Frank). Jim is survived by his beloved partner, Kathy Carlson, and his loving sister, Karen T. Kennedy (Tim). Aside from being a loving and guiding force for his mother and sisters, Jim was devoted to his two daughters, Rachel Thibodeaux Capoferri (Mickey) and Julia Thibodeaux; and his precious granddaughter, Amelia Capoferri.

His career, starting with TV broadcast engineering and progressing into executive level sales and corporate liaison, Jim created a world of lasting relationships and connections. Not one person he crossed paths with will ever forget him. An engineer, a fix everything man, a father, a grandfather, someone who could never keep an opinion silenced, Jim was and will always stay in our hearts. His charismatic energy was inescapable in the best of ways.

Jim was a man of his roots. He loved traveling from CA to visit his family in New Orleans, bringing back culture and all the love of the south. When he wasn't making a big shrimp boil for family and friends, he would be at a concert with them. Jim was always "living the dream".

As proud of his family, cooking, career, and sense of adventure was, one of the most exemplary times was his honored service during Vietnam on USS Hancock. Jim served with integrity, grace and loyalty starting as a Yellow Jacket making his way to Director. He saved the life of a fellow Naval officer and fought for our country with dignity, courage and honor.

Jim was, still, and always be “that guy”. The one who touched so many, had the biggest heart, who influenced lives. A man who truly had an amazing life. His passion and excitement of life lives through everyone he knew.

In the touching words of Kathy:

“I met Jim 12 years ago and he changed my life for the better. We loved music and going to concerts. He was always planning trips and fun things to do, but he was also a homebody, too, working on projects. He was willing to help my family or friends whenever they needed him. I am thankful for the 12 years we had together and how he made me feel like a queen everyday. He was the best and I know I will never meet anyone like him again.”

In lieu of services, we ask that donations be made to:

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

www.stjude.org

Wounded Warrior Project

www.woundedwarriorproject.org