Dr. James Joseph “Jim” Robert, Jr., 85, of Opelousas, LA, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at his residence. He was born on January 2, 1941, to James and Mary Robert, and grew up in Oberlin, LA, where he happily remembered days playing with his siblings and watching, from his grandmother’s front porch, the riverboats pass. He graduated from OHS in 1958 before attending LSU for his undergrad which he completed in three years and then went to Loyola. where he earned a degree in general dentistry.

While in college, Jim served for three years in the US Army Reserves and upon graduation, he was commissioned as a captain in the Dental Corps for 2 years while stationed in Bad Kissingen, Germany. He had many fond memories of his and his wife’s time overseas, including a tulip festival in Amsterdam. At this time, he also stumbled upon his lifelong love of “picking.” He would go to the trash pile near their apartment to look for “good stuff,” which included a piano stool and lederhosen. Upon completion of his service, he and Syd moved back to the States, and he began his dental career and his family. They have lived in Opelousas, in the yellow house on Grolee Street, for over 50 years and have created many wonderful memories there.

Jim loved woodworking, painting, gardening, and blacksmithing. If he wasn’t up to his elbows in one of those hobbies (or ANY of the myriad of his interests), he could surely be found in the stands at one of his kids’, grandkids’, and even great-grandkids’ sports events. You couldn’t find a better fan. Speaking of what he loved, nothing could top his absolute adoration for his “little sweetsie,” Syd. They dated for 8 years, and were married for 61, and together they built a beautiful life, one that made him so happy and proud.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sydney Franchebois Robert, by his children, Courtney (Vic) Guilbeau, Deverelle (Toby) Venable, James Robert III, and Sarah (Steve) Miller. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Joy Smith, Celeste Armand, Hannah Moreau, TJ Venable, Connor Moreau, Ann-Elyse Venable, Tatum Robert, Levi Miller, Reagan Miller, and Andie Miller and his 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jeff (Mary) Robert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Robert, his brothers, Raoul Robert and Jack Robert, and his sister, Bobbye Meaux.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 5 - 8 PM at Sibille Funeral Home, with a rosary beginning at 6:30. The funeral home will be open again for visitation on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 8 - 10 AM, followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of Mercy Church at 10:30. Burial service will be held at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery with a reception to follow at La Bellevue Petite Chateau.

The Robert family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and love to Jim’s caretakers: Dee Tezeno, Amanda Richard, Chastity Richard, Percilli Campbell, Shawanta Bias, Lisa Doucet and Unrica Richard and all from Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Amelia Pitre, Patrice Greene, and Chaplain Sylvester Murphy. We could not have navigated this journey without you. 

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