James Alvin McAnn, 90, passed from this life on February 3, 2022, in Bossier City, Louisiana. He was born May 30, 1931, in Haughton, Louisiana, to Alvin Joel and Edna Worley McAnn. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Cecil Lee McAnn. He is survived by brother, Charles Ray McAnn.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving faithful wife of 67 years, Lorraine Setzer McAnn and his 2 daughters, Karen Potter (Doug) and Jamie Bell (Phillip) all of Haughton. He was the best “Grampy” to Adam Keeth (Ashleigh), Ben Potter (Keela), Alex Person (John), Tyler McHan (Holli), Ashley Farrar, and JP Duke (Cody). Grampy’s favorite little people were his great-grandchildren Addicus, Brynleigh, Beau, Olivia, Asher, Andrew, Aspen, Powell, John Kenner, Knox, Carlee, Anna Claire, and Codie Mae.
James graduated from Haughton High School in 1948. He was then drafted into the United States Army in 1951, and after basic training was sent to the Korean Conflict. He was severely wounded in the Battle of Kumwha for which he received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, and United National Service Medal.
After being discharged from the Army, he then married Lorraine Setzer in 1954. Even though he had been wounded in battle, he was not one to sit still. He started his 36-year career in the Forestry Industry in 1956, where he enjoyed working at several woodyards, and cruising timber. He retired from Ark-La-Tex Timber Company in 1992, but he still had a love for trees.
James was the ultimate baseball and softball enthusiast. For many years he loved to play recreational softball. James, also known as “Lefty”, hosted many neighborhood ping pong tournaments that lasted long into the night. Other past times included rook, badminton, and dominos.
After the grandchildren came along, he loved to follow them to baseball and softball games, basketball games, dance recitals, and cheerleading competitions. His family also knew of his love for mowing grass and raking pine straw. When the great-grandchildren came along, he loved to just sit and watch them play.
James was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Haughton, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion
Services will be held at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 10 am with Dr. Gevan Spinney officiating. Visitation will be held prior to service on Monday, February 7, from 5-7pm Monday, Feb 7, 5-7PM.
Pallbearers for James will be, Adam Keeth, Ben Potter, Tyler McHan, John Person, Cody Duke, Mike McAnn, Ricky McAnn, Brett McAnn, Fred McAnn and Billy McAnn.
