He was a native of Crowley and had been a resident of Sulphur for the last 66 years. He was a graduate of Crowley High School and then received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from SLI (now ULL in Lafayette). Jimmy then went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force.
He began his career with PPG in 1956 where he worked until his retirement in 1994. Most of his career was spent as Superintendent of the shipping department. He was responsible for coordinating the loading and shipping of all products from the plant by truck, rail, barge, and ships. He worked directly with shipping companies to ensure that products were delivered to customers safely and without incident. He worked directly with customers to ensure that they had the information they needed and facilities in place to safely handle and use their products. As department head he had many direct and indirect reports. He trained them and supported them in their work in such a way that he was very much admired and respected by them. He also served on various boards and in organizations, was past President of the Chlorine Institute of America.
He was a charter member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, helping build the original church facility, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jimmy spent over 60 years of volunteering at the church as a altar server, Eucharistic minister, counselor, and Catechism teacher. He had received the Diocese of Lake Charles Distinguished Service Award. Jimmy absolutely loved his faith and family community of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Survivors include his three sons, James Troy Lafleur (Arlene) of Sulphur, Louisiana, Gregory Allen Lafleur of Decatur, Georgia, and Dr. Glenn Charles Lafleur (Suzanne) of Lafayette, Louisiana; one daughter, Lauren L. Gonzales (Dr. Jose' Gonzales) of Sulphur, Louisiana; grandchildren, Ryan Lafleur (Carrie), Craig Lafleur, Noah Lafleur, Sydney Lafleur, Gabrielle Gonzales, and Julian Gonzales; along with great grandchildren, Brylyn Lafleur, Wren Flores, Kallen Lafleur, Ganon Flores, and Max Lafleur; along with nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Allene Hebert Lafleur; his parents, Leon and Myrtle Lafleur; and his brother, Byron Lafleur.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 21, in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2700 Maplewood Drive in Sulphur. The Rev. Timothy Goodly will officiate. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be held in the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Our Lady's Catholic School in Sulphur. The family would like to give special thanks to: Dr. Jose' Gonzales, Dr. Thomas Mulhearn, Dr. Carl Fastabend, Dr. Nisha Patel, West Cal-Cam Home Health, and Brighton Bridge Hospice for their excellent care of Jimmy. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
