James Paul Blanchard, Sr.

James Paul “Jim” Blanchard, Sr, age 79, of Metairie, LA, passed away on July 19, 2024, in New Orleans, LA.  

Throughout his life, Jim Blanchard was dedicated to his family, his faith, his home and his work. 

He was a native of New Orleans and Arabi and raised by his parents Ruby and Al Huguet. He graduated from Chalmette High School, and spent his life in Metairie, La and Kiln, MS with his wife and family.  Jim met Ann, the love of his life, in 1966 and was happily married to her for 56 years. 

They actually share a birthday, two years apart, and created a beautiful life full of many wonderful memories over their long marriage together. They raised James and Shelly and have always been close to them and their grandchildren. Jim wanted to provide a good life, full of opportunities, for his family. He was always involved in activities with his children, coaching sports, as a scout leader, attending dance recitals, organizing vacations, going on camping trips and enjoying Mardi Gras festivities. Over the years, Jim also took care of extended family members, providing love and a home when needed. Family was always his priority.  

Jim was active in his Catholic faith, married in St. Agnes Church, raised his family and spent most of his life, as a member of St. Clement of Rome Church, and later as a member of Annunciation Church in Kiln, MS. 

After college, Jim worked as an insurance agent for two decades, and then an entrepreneur with his own company in the automotive product and freight distribution business. In his career endeavors he made many lifetime friends and achievements along the way.  Jim embraced hard work. He built his first home, with his uncle, in Metairie, then a second in Kiln, MS, and remodeled two homes after Hurricane Katrina, along with countless home “projects” over the years. Most remember Jim as a “do it yourself” kind of guy, who would rather learn how to build or repair something and complete the job himself, than hire anyone. He certainly had the tools to prove it. J

He was always strong, both physically and in his will to push through challenging circumstances in any aspect of his life. He had high expectations for himself, and others, and was always making plans toward actualizing his dreams. Jim was a very social person and always enjoyed holiday festivities and any reason to celebrate with his family and friends. He was a member of the Lions Club, the Krewe of Jefferson, and a New Orleans Billiards league. He loved hunting and camping, watching sports, card games, parties and cooking. He was known for his feasts from the grill, Sunday breakfasts, his jambalaya and his “Oysters Mosca”.  

He was a big guy, with a big presence, a big smile and an even bigger heart. You couldn’t help but listen to his stories, smile when he did, and be touched when he expressed his deepest sentiments on life and love.  We are grateful for our time with you, all that you brought to our life and how loving you, made us better people. Thanks Dad. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allston J. Huguet, Jr, Ruby Martinez Huguet and his brother, Richard J. Huguet, Sr. 

Mr. Blanchard is survived by his wife, Shirley “Ann” Blanchard; his two children, James Paul Blanchard, Jr and Shelly Blanchard Lee (Skylar Preston Lee); his grandchildren, TJ Haas, Nathan Lamoreux Lee, Alex Dalhart Lee, Olivia Elizabeth Blanchard and Owen Paul Blanchard; his sister, Deborah Huguet Gauthier (Jules Gauthier); and other relatives and friends 

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 27, 2024, beginning at 11:00 AM at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 4317 Richland Avenue Number 3027 Metairie, Louisiana 70002 with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow at Bayou Coco Cemetery in Kiln, MS. 

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is honored to serve the Blanchard family.