Archie James Land, Jr. was born in Port Arthur July 3, 1937, the son of Pearl Nectoux and Archie James Land, Sr. He is survived by his father; his brother and sister-in-law, Archie James Land, Jr. and Jenelle Land; his niece and nephew, Ashlie Land and Shaun Land; and by his uncles, Harry Nectoux and Charles Nectoux. He is also survived by the many hundreds of individuals in our community whose lives he touched through Land Manor, which he founded.
After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, Archie Land attended Lamar State College. He then earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. He returned to the Golden Triangle in the early 1960’s and founded Land Manor several years later.
Land Manor was a pioneering initiative to assist the mentally ill, those suffering from substance-related challenges, those suffering from abuse, and many others. Thousands of individuals spent part of their lives at Land Manor facilities. Many, many of these people are now valuable, contributing members of their communities in no small part because of Archie Land.
In recent decades, as government funding was reduced for social programs, Archie Land fought passionately to maintain all services he could for his clients. He was utterly committed to helping people who, without the help of Land Manor, would not have been able to help themselves.
His commitment made him a legend in the social work field. Any time he went out to dinner, someone would approach him and thank him for assisting when help was needed most. Some credited him with saving their life but all credited him with improving their life.
Archie Land was a gregarious person who relished life. He made countless friends and was easy to be around. He had a great sense of humor, empathized with people innately, and was a non-judgemental person. He possessed a flair for the dramatic and ran away with many a community theatre production.
He retired from Land Manor three years ago, but continued to help others. Land Manor lives on and is his legacy. After some initial discomfort with retirement, Archie Land thoroughly embraced it. He relaxed and enjoyed the family and many friends he had. He also took pleasure in raising and caring for dogs, particularly Pomeranians.
Archie Land was very close to his brother and sister-in-law, Archie James Land, Jr. and Jenelle Land. They had many a meal together and Archie loved their company. He also enjoyed a rich relationship with his mother, Pearl Nectoux, who predeceased him. He celebrated many a holiday with his father, Archie James Land, Sr.
In life, Archie Land existed to help those less blessed than he. In death, his work continues. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Some Other Place, 590 Center, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or to Land Manor, 355 North 18th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
Visitation will begin 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2005 at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Street, Beaumont, Texas. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2005 at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. Pallbearers will be Shaun Land, Chris Squez, Gerry Malone, Terry Jackson, William James, Steven Barkley, Charles Washington, and Thomas LeBlanc. A private committal will follow.
Archie James Land, Jr. has left this earthly realm a better place for his existence. Those whose lives he touched will remember him always.
