Dr. James Doc Russell Romero Sr.

Dr. James Russell Romero, Sr. known by many simply as Doc, went home to be with his heavenly father on July 24, 2017 after being a good and faithful servant here on earth. Born on February 16, 1934, in New Iberia, Doc was 83 at the time of his death. Because of his love and dedication to medicine and science he chose to donate his body to his Alma Mater, LSU Medical School, in efforts to guide and train upcoming physicians.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Loreauville, LA beginning at 11:00 AM, a rosary at 11:30 AM and Memorial Mass held at 12 o’clock noon with Rev. Buddy Breaux as the Celebrant. A private Christian burial will be held at a later date.

Dr. Romero began his rural practice in 1960, when doctors still carried their “black bag” and made house calls. In addition to his private practice in 1972, he was called to serve in public health. He was appointed Regional Medical Health Officer for Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermillion parishes.

He worked extensively in ensuring safe water through the public health program also being developmental in Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment programs (EPSDT), for all low-income children. Dr. Romero went on to set up immunization clinics, well baby clinics, and the WIC program which addresses the nutritional needs of mothers and their babies. Doc often spoke of the joy he felt as a health care provider when he witnessed the eradication of polio, small pox, and measles through vaccines. Dr. Romero returned full time to his practice in Loreauville where he then became affiliated with LSU Medical Center allowing newly trained medical graduates and several local nurse practitioners the opportunity to experience rural health practice. One of his greatest qualities as a man and doctor was his gift of observance and listening. As a two-time cancer survivor, Doc often described that through the grace of God, he had experienced being both, a physician as well as a patient, which gave him perspective and knowledge in identifying the specific needs of his patients and their families. After serving his rural community and the Acadiana area for 53 years, Doc enjoyed his retirement filling his days relaxing and enjoying his family.

Dr. Romero was a member of the LSU Alumni Association, Louisiana Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, and the Iberia Parish Medical Society. Doc was strong and faithful in his Catholic faith, serving as Grand Knight in the 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus, past Eucharistic Minister, and weekly volunteer in the St. Joseph’s Adoration Chapel. Every year since high school, he enjoyed attending retreats at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House in Grand Coteau, with a group of men from the New Iberia area.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dolores Landry Romero of Loreauville; his daughter, Stacy Romero Babineaux and companion Hall Williams of New Iberia; three sons, Tommy Steven Romero and wife Donna Bazer Romero of Loreauville; James Russell Romero, Jr. of Loreauville and; Brock Jude Romero and wife Sara Berard Romero of Loreauville; eight grandchildren, Seth F. Babineaux and wife Kali; Alister R. Charier and husband Jason; Candace R. Robichaux and husband Michael; Camille Elizabeth Babineaux; Mia Elise Romero; Sophia Mae Romero; Asa Joseph Romero and; Soleil Lucille Romero and three great grandchildren, Brenner Paul Babineaux; Breck Dalton Babineaux and Victoria Jane Charier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Etienne and Enola Dore Romero and one sister, Barbara Romero Thibodeaux.

Doc and his family want to thank all of his friends and colleagues that he has worked very closely with over the years as a physician. Sincere and special thanks to Dr. Perry Stokes, Dr. Jimmy Falterman and Dr. Shawn Baquet.

The family of Dr. Romero asks that, in his honor, please preform an act of charity for someone you do not know. Also donations in Dr. Romero’s honor can be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 117 S. Main Street, Loreauville, LA

To view on-line obituary, video tribute and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.

Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.