James Anthony “Jim” Laurent, a resident and native of New Roads, La, born on March 29, 1934, went to eternal rest on November 30, 2022 at the age of 88. Jim graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1952 and Southwestern Louisiana Institute in 1956. After graduating college, Jim entered the United States Navy. He served two years of active duty and four years in the Naval Reserve. He went on to meet his loving wife, Louise Yvonne Wilson (of North Carolina) while he was stationed in Virginia. They were later married in New Roads, La in 1958. After his Navy tour, he went to work at the family business; O.B. Laurent Lumber Company until 1977. He also worked as a Deputy Assessor from 1978 until his election as Assessor in 1996 and served for 13 years until his retirement in 2009. Jim became a certified Assessor by the Louisiana and International Association of Assessing Officers. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Deputy Grand Knight. He was also a member of the New Roads Lions Club for over 25 years and served in all club positions including President. Jim served on the St. Mary Parish Church Council, the St. Mary Cemetery Committee, the Catholic of Pointe Coupee School Board and the False River Airport Commission. He served 12 years on the New Roads City Council. He was also a member of the American Legion, American Heart Association, the March of Dimes and the United Way Campaigns. He is survived by his wife, Louise Wilson Laurent; son, James Laurent, Jr. and wife, Donna; daughters, Yvonne Laurent Johnston and husband, Chris, Lynette Laurent Broussard and husband, Tracy, Dianne Laurent Hawkins and husband, Vince, and Cynthia Laurent; 12 grandchildren, Ryan Laurent, Annie L.
Drapekin (Brady), Matthew Laurent (Ashley), Erin L. St. Romain (Ricky), Eric Jarvis (Alyson), Lauren Jarvis, Johnathan Jarvis (Liz), Caroline Jarvis, Taylor B. Thames (Brett), Sidney B. Thibodeaux (Hunter), Kyle Hawkins (Lauren), and Bret Hawkins (Jene’); 13 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Rosalie Major Laurent and Olex B. Laurent; his infant daughter, Rosalie Laurent; brothers, Olex B. Laurent Jr., Joseph B. Laurent and twin brother, John Daniel Laurent. The visitation was held at Niland’s Funeral Home in New Roads, LA on Friday, December 2 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian burial was held in St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m. The entombment followed in the new mausoleum at St. Mary’s Catholic Church cemetery. Pallbearers were Ryan Laurent, Matt Laurent, Kyle Hawkins, Bret Hawkins, Johnathan Jarvis, and Eric Jarvis. Honorary pallbearers were Jack and James Duncan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice. A special thanks to Pointe Coupee Home Health and Hospice.
