James Joseph Legeai

James Joseph Legeai, age 95, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023, surrounded by his family. Son of the late Randall F. Legeai and Amelie A. Legeai, James was the devoted father of Randall (Candy), Jay (Laura), Ginger (Bill Nogalski), and Patty (Frank Barnes); stepfather of Susan Geagan Montero (Michael), and had 7 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and 1 step great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, June G. Legeai, sister Amelie M. Legeai, and former wife Mary V. Legeai. A proud graduate of Jesuit High School and Tulane University in New Orleans, James enjoyed a successful lifelong career as a builder focusing on residential construction in and around New Orleans. Jimmy, as he was most often called, loved a good party and was a gifted self-taught pianist, often entertaining friends and family with lively favorites on his treasured Steinway. His fondness for travel led to numerous family road trip adventures throughout the country from Florida to California to Mexico, along with various destinations throughout Europe. As a private pilot he enjoyed taking his children on memorable day trips and other excursions to various and sometimes remote airstrips in the area. In the 60s he built a boat in the back yard with salvaged cypress, plywood, and fiberglass that led to many hours of family water skiing along with occasional trips across Lake Pontchartrain to Mandeville. As a child he lived briefly in Covington and following in his father’s footsteps would later build a summer house with a small swimming pool that was a favorite destination for his children who could often be found roaming the rural streets collecting blackberries and occasionally poison ivy as well. He was a frequent visitor to the Florida gulf coast where at one time or another he maintained residences in Destin and Fort Walton Beach. In his later years he took great pleasure in visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family would like to give special thanks to the caring staff at Poydras Home in New Orleans where James resided for over thirteen years. A memorial service will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans at 11:00am on Saturday, May 13, 2023, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.