Jimmy entered the world on December 29, 1948. He was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, and from an early age took full advantage of the area’s reputation as a Sportsman’s Paradise. He enjoyed hunting and camping, but his true passion was fishing. Jimmy spent much of his free time on the water casting lures for lunker bass or dropping worms in a bream bed, a love inherited from his grandfather that was later passed down to his kids and grandkids.
A child of the 1950s, Jimmy never outgrew the Cowboys and Indians phase and always enjoyed a good John Wayne western. He was a bit of prankster, often wearing a telltale grin that meant some kind of mischief was afoot.
Some of his fondest days were spent in the hallowed halls of the “City of Byrd”. He was a proud graduate of the legendary 1967 senior class, attending every reunion over the decades and maintaining regular contact with a close inner-circle of friends up until his final days.
After marrying his high-school sweetheart Patty James in 1971, Jimmy jumped into his career. A born entrepreneur with a tireless work ethic, he spent the next fifty years running the Vacuum Cleaner Hospital, a retail landmark in Shreveport. Gregarious by nature, he enjoyed chatting with customers almost as much as making a sale.
Outside of the office, Jimmy was an avid sports fan, rooting for the LSU Tigers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the never-say-die Atlanta Braves. He willingly gave his time, agreeing to coach youth soccer (despite knowing almost nothing about the sport) when nobody else volunteered. He would later coach junior high basketball and then high school summer league baseball.
Jimmy was unbeatable at go-cart racing. And a whiz with numbers. A man of simple tastes, he had no interest in champagne and caviar and was just fine with a burger and a root beer.
He was cantankerous at times, but that gruff exterior belied a kind and gentle nature within. Jimmy had a soft spot for animals, especially his German Shepherd Miracle, a faithful and constant companion. He wasn’t overtly religious, but often spoke of seeing God’s handiwork in the miracle of birth and never missed an opportunity to hold a baby.
Jimmy doted on his family and couldn’t help worrying when anyone was on the road traveling. Without exception, he would insist that they call upon arrival so he could relax knowing they had safely reached their destination. Just this once, we wish he could return the favor.
But there’s no need… we know you got there safe.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother (Geraldine Launius Slaughter) and father (James W. Slaughter). He is survived by his wife (Patty James Slaughter), sister (Emily Slaughter Crace), brother-in law (Jack Crace), eldest son (Nathan Wade Slaughter), daughter-in-law (Julie May Slaughter) youngest son (Jeremy Wayne Slaughter), daughter-in-law (April Hudson Slaughter) cousin/best friend Kenny Launius, and his five grandchildren: Riley William Slaughter, Aidan Walker Slaughter, Cooper Jameson Slaughter, Jake Weston Slaughter, and Reed Hudson Slaughter.
A special thanks to Eric Lockett and Elouise Brantley for their care and compassion.
A visitation for Jimmy will be held Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108.
