James Gerald Stearns, Sr.

James Gerald Stearns, Sr. passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2021 at the age of 92 years and 8 months. He was born in New Orleans on August 18, 1928. He was a resident of New Orleans until the war years, during which he resided in Pensacola, FL. After marrying in Pensacola, he returned to New Orleans, where he resided for 56 years. Upon the death of his wife after nearly 53 years of marriage, he eventually remarried and moved to Slidell, LA, where he lived for the last 17 years.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, James and Annora Stearns; his first wife, Betty B. Stearns; and his second wife, Geraldine C. Stearns. He is survived by: his children, James G. Stearns, Jr. (Daryl-deceased), David Michael Stearns (Pam), and Traci S. Britton (Jim); and his stepchildren, Jimmy Oddo (Ronda), and Tony Oddo (Linda). He is also survived by: his grandchildren, Michael R. Stearns, Katie S. Fitzsimmons (Sean), and Kailin M. Britton; his two great-grandchildren, Brennan and Ellie Fitzsimmons; his three step-grandchildren; and numerous step-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, step-nephews, and step-nieces.

During his long life, he enjoyed his family most of all, followed by card games, fishing, football, baseball, horse racing, and good food. He was a “jack of all trades” and enjoyed working in his toolshed/garage, building any number of items (the largest being a one room house used by his daughter as a playhouse and by his sons as a place to study and cram for college exams; it was even air-conditioned!) He could repair most anything. He definitely enjoyed his LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, he was also a big Tom Brady fan—well, nobody’s perfect!

Needless to say, he was a man for all seasons. He was also a most loving, caring, supportive, and helpful husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather, step grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful staff of Eagan Hospice of Covington/Slidell who were so helpful in the last several months of his life, and with special thanks to Simeon, Shannon, Chliquita, Joanne, Kizzie, and others.

Relatives, friends, and former and current employees of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board are invited to attend the funeral service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans, on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 1 PM. Visitation will begin at 11 AM.