James Adras Jeansonne, 91, of Beaumont, passed away Saturday, July 21, 2007 surrounded by his loving family. James (Jimmy) was a retired Superintendent for Jefferson Chemical Company (Texaco) in Port Neches. He was a school teacher for the State of Louisiana, a rancher, and a Land Developer at Toledo Bend Lake.
He was born April 1, 1916 in Plaucheville, Louisiana the third of five children to Carrie and Joseph Jeansonne. He grew up in a farming community working his way through college earning a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Northwestern University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Jimmy met Doris Adele Firmin while teaching in Cottonport, Louisiana and they were married December 24, 1939. While pursuing his teaching career, he worked summers in the Southeast Texas Petrochemical Industry and accepted a production position at BF Goodrich Company in Port Neches.
After moving his wife and first two children to East Texas, he applied for and accepted a production position at Jeffersson Chemical Company. Through hard work, determination, and a personable and caring demeanor, he soon was promoted to Production Supervisor, then Maintenance Superintendent. He retired after twenty-five years to concentrate his efforts in various land developments and raise cattle on his farm in Hillister, Texas.
Later he and his wife Doris, of over sixty-seven years, traveled many locations worldwide as Jimmy did consulting work for Scientific Design of New York. He helped start up many Ethylene Oxide Chemical Plant units around the world, sharing his knowledge of the industry and teaching the process.
Jimmy leaves behind his devoted wife and soulmate, Doris Jeansonne; sister, Mary Dae Ducote of Cottonport, Louisiana; and brother, Donald M. Jeansonne and his wife Helen of Bridge City. He also leaves his five children, Felice J. Girouard and her husband Marvin of Fort Worth, Stephen Michael (Mike) Jeansonne and his wife Pam of Lumberton, Jane J. Fontenot and her husband Dean of Beaumont, Lanell P. Hurwitch and her husband Mike of Novi, Michigan, and Neil James Jeansonne of Beaumont; twelve grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with entombment to follow at Greenlawn Mausoleum under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at the mortuary.
The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth who provided Jimmy and his family love, care, and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
