James "J.D." Delfrest Bergeron Jr.

“JD” James Delfrest Bergeron Jr., 68, decided he was getting TOO old for “69” so he went to heaven to get it outfitted for the rest of us. He is probably ordering parts, gathering machinery and recruiting a team to build his “JD’s Garage” *Heaven Addition*.

JD was a “sweet” old man, only because he worked at Domino Sugar for the last 48 years! We’re not quite sure what he did at the refinery, but everyone knew him and needed him for the important things. Not only will the place probably start falling apart, his vendors are already missing being able to run his company credit card for sure!

JD knew what he was doing when he married a younger woman. He needed someone who could keep up with him, endure the long nights in the backyard, and tolerate all the “JD’s Garage” shenanigans. Bonnie Willingham Bergeron took care of and put up with him for 16 years. Have you ever known a man to walk out of the house with his clothes on backwards because his wife hung them the wrong way? She would drag him to all his medical appointments, made him take his medicine, and made sure he was fed every meal. The neighbors knew where she was headed at 8PM to pick up a pizza from Café Roma or Ben’s Pizza (Pepperoni with Hot Sausage, extra sauce and crispy). She never let mayonnaise get anywhere near his food and never let the “JD’s Garage” refrigerator run out of beer or freezies. Speaking of which, I am pretty sure Miller Lite will contact the family to pay condolences to the man who has been keeping them in business for years! At 3PM each day is the only time you could catch JD on the sofa watching TV. Judge Judy’s ratings will be affected by him passing as well.

Everyone that stopped over at “JD’s Garage” to build a hunting blind, fix a boat, tune a car, construct something, weld anything, borrow a tool, or just drink a beer knew it would take more than a minute. You always left with what you needed but got more than what you stopped by for. You could always be sure JD had the right tool, knew how to fabricate what didn’t yet exist, and impart both life and mechanical wisdom with that always-certain confidence he radiated. You could also be sure that there were never-ending freezies for your kids and a swing to play on just waiting to be let down from the rafters.

JD had a way with words (or none at all). You always knew where you stood with him. You also knew how he felt, and he would always tell you what you should do – even if you didn’t want to hear it. He loved his family and friends, and thoroughly enjoyed just being a part of whatever was going on in “JD’s Garage”. He was a father-figure to more than just his family and was sought out for fatherly advice by so, so many. Some people spend their entire lives striving to leave behind the kind of legacy that JD has – and the man wasn’t even trying.

JD is the current Mayor of South Lake Subdivision in Violet, LA. He fell asleep at his home for good on Sunday, August 16, 2020. As stubborn as he was, he didn’t put up a fight.

JD is survived by his wife, Bonnie Willingham Bergeron; two sons, Shane (Chrissy) Bergeron, Lance (Melissa) Bergeron and one daughter, Ashley (Andre) Fos. Bonnie brought 2 more children to the family that he instantly folded into the Bergeron clan: a daughter, Fallon (John Nuccio) Willingham, and a son, Derek (Katie Buklad) Willingham. He is also survived by two stepsisters, Cathie (John) Bayham and Cindy Nichols; two half sisters, Denise Bergeron and Cindy Kidd; and a sister-in-law to his late brother Joe, Carol Bergeron. JD is also survived by the mother of his children, Robyne Bergeron Peters, who somehow managed to handle him for 30 years in his younger days.

He also has 15 grandchildren: Brenden, Tyler, Haleigh, Olivia, Kayden, Emaleigh, Leilan, Ryen, Lance Jr., Shelbi, Rylie, Ryker, Hunter, Fisher and Maverick.

JD had many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jennie LeJeune, his father Joseph Woodrow LeJeune, one sister, Diane Jean Landry, and two brothers, Joseph "Joe" Bergeron and Lester Bergeron.

JD graduated from St. Bernard High School in 1971 by the skin of his teeth. I’m certain the restoration of his principal’s old Ford truck maybe worked in his favor. He made the newspaper for this project back then as a member of the Industrial Arts Club. While in High School, he may have served you pizza or helped you get gas. Right out of High School, he started working at Domino Sugar where he had multiple rolls and ended his term as Packaging Maintenance Supervisor. Through the years, we learned about the machines he had a part in designing, fixing and maintaining. As funny as it is, since he was freezing all the time, he had an AC business, Trouble Shooter for many years. Although he will be missed, we are comforted in knowing the lives he touched, the impact he made and the knowledge he left behind. A Legacy that will live on for generations to come. A life that is celebrated and not forgotten. I just hope his attitude has changed now that he knows he is not immortal. We love you JD!