Port Barre - James Fontenot, Sr, 93, of Port Barre, Louisiana, entered into eternal rest on July 30, 2026, at home surrounded by his family

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:00 am in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Port Barre. Fr. Anthony Henry will officiate the Mass.

Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery.

James was born on August 22, 1932, to August and Clara Fontenot. On January 1, 1952, James married Ethel Guidroz and they had 4 children; sons, Terry Octave who left this world seven months after birth, James Edward, John August “Johnny” and daughter, Dolly. A veteran of the military, James proudly served his country in the Navy during the Korean War and was an active member of the VFW Post & American Legion Post. James was very involved in celebrating the recovery program because he cared about those suffering from addiction. There he shared his own testimony and taught lessons to those attending, becoming much respected and loved by the group. He enjoyed telling stories to his family and friends about things he experienced in life, especially arguing about politics with and to anyone who would listen. His garden was his pride and joy and he always shared his harvest. Camping, hunting, fishing, and French music were also his hobbies.

James will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Leaving behind to mourn his loss is his son, James Edward Fontenot and wife Paula of Pecaniere, LA and daughter, Dolly Vidrine of Port Barre, LA; daughter-in-law; Carolyn Coon Fontenot, of Opelousas, LA; ex son-in-law Ricky Guillory; grandchildren, Lisa Collins and husband, Paul of Port Barre, LA, Meghan Fontenot Ellis and husband Phillip of Port Barre, LA, Brian Fontenot of Pecaniere, LA and Corey Stears of Port Barre, LA; Great-grandchildren, William August and Caroline Ellis, Destine Burroughs, Darin Burroughs, Keithan Kelly, great great-grandchildren, Darin Burroughs, Jr., Armani Burroughs, Jr. Armani Burroughs & Dontasia Burroughs; his godchildren, Clara Ann Alphonse, Joey Lafleur, and Mike Blumrich, and grandson-in-law, James Earl Artigue, Jr. of Port Barre, LA; Sister-in-laws, Sybil Tullier of Leonville, LA and Jane Meche of Lafayette, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Guidroz Fontenot, sons, Terry Octave Fontenot and John August “Johnny” Fontenot; parents August Fontenot and Clara Fontenot; sisters, Pearl Alphonse and Rosa Mae Aymond; brothers, Robert Fontenot & Edward Fontenot; granddaughter, Yvonne Artigue; great-grandson, Bennett Michael Ellis; and son-in-law, Ray “Pee Wee” Vidrine.

The family is grateful to all the staff, nurses, and aides at Louisiana Palliative Care for friendly faces and their sincerity and tender skills in the care of their loved one.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, from 2:00 pm till 8:00 pm with a rosary at 6:00 pm all in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel in Port Barre. On Saturday August 1, 2026, visitation will continue from 8:00 am till time of service.

Pallbearers will be Richard Mobile, Phillip Ellis, Corey Stears, Jamie Artigue, Rusty Aymond, and John Matt.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Port Barre.

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