James Henery Austin's Obituary
James Henery Austin was born on July 24, 1942 to Pat and Zelma Austin in DeRidder, Louisiana, the youngest of four children. On March 4, 1966, he married his wife, Lynette and together they had three daughters, Jalynn, Bolinda and Shauna.
As newlywed in 1966, he began his working career at Dixie Maid Ice Cream, then in 1969 he was hired on at Boise (now PCA). After a successful career spanning 30+years, he retired in the early 2000’s, where he spent the remainder of his time working on his “honey-do” list that never seemed to be completed.
James was a published author, avid fisherman and loved to spend time outdoors. He loved animals of all kinds, from your common housecat to the wild raccoons he fed on his back porch nightly. He loved woodworking and tinkered with everything he could get his hands on. He loved a mental challenge and was a math whiz who could solve any problem presented to him, most of the time without pen and paper.
He played guitar and was a singer and songwriter. For years, he and his family traveled the bluegrass/gospel circuit giving performances in several states. He loved to play card games and spend time with his family. He enjoyed having a house full of laughter and at family get-togethers, karaoke was mandatory.
In 2018, James lost his wife to illness. He missed her greatly and was never quite the same without her. He tried to keep himself busy by completing little projects around the house. When he was unable to do this, he spent time chatting with his friends and family online.
James was place under hospice care shortly after the passing of his wife. He passed away peacefully on his birthday, July 24th surrounded by his three daughters.
James spent his entire life in the DeRidder community. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynette Austin; parents Pat and Zelma Austin; brother, William Franklin Austin; two sisters, Maxie Bailey and Bonnie Willis; and grandson, Seth Landry.
He is survived by his daughters Jalynn “PJ” Crowe and husband Bud, Bolinda Landry and husband Kenneth, Shauna Brock and wife, Dianne; 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will begin Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 11:00 AM until Funeral Service begins at 2:00 PM, at Hopewell Baptist Church located at 249 Hopewell Church Road, DeRidder, LA, with Bro. Byron Williams officiating under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder, Louisiana.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?