James Eugene Lizana

James Eugene "Gene" Lizana, age 80, of Pass Christian, passed away on October 1, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Lizana; his father, James “Mac” Lizana; and his son-in-law, Jeff Thomas.

Eugene is survived by his wife of sixty (60) years, Joan Lizana; his children, James “Cid” Lizana, Jana Sanasac, Janell Boudreaux; and son-in-Law Dickie Boudreaux; his Siblings, Wallace Lizana (Cindy), John Lizana (Brenda), and Helen Jean Husley (Durell); his grandchildren, Aaron Lizana, Jeffrey Thomas, Courtney Smith (Corey), Alex Boudreaux (Hannah), Jessica Thomas (Keith), and Dylan Boudreaux; great-grandchildren, Ezra, Isaac, and Benaiah Boudreaux, and Cambreigh Joann Smith. He was an uncle to thirteen (13) nieces and nephews, and a great-uncle to fourteen (14).

He was a native of Gulfport, Mississippi. He attended Harrison Central High School and went on to proudly serve as a Marine in the United States Armed Forces, serving two (2) tours in Vietnam and earning a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/ P & F, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal (1960). He honorably served as Post Commander of The VFW Post 4526. After the military, he worked in Construction as a Machinist and Boiler Maker.

Eugene was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and served The LoBouy Senior Center, both since their origins. He enjoyed many hobbies, including puzzles, dancing, fishing, gardening; watching Nascar, wrestling, and Football; and famously, “Jerkying” (making beef jerky).

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gulfport.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM in the church.  Interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eugene’s honor to The Ronald McDonald House, or St Joseph Catholic Church.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com