James Monroe Bamber Fornaris Sr., age 82, of Metairie, Louisiana passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. James was preceded in death by his parents, the late Forstall Sebastion Fornaris and Bernice Bamber Fornaris. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Suzanne Songy Fornaris, his children James "Chip" Fornaris, Jr., (Mimi), Cynthia "Cindy" Garrett (Toby), and Edward "Beau" Fornaris (Carey), grandchildren, Madeline Saliba (Anthony), Jill Fornaris, Annie Fornaris, Madison Garrett, McKenzie Garrett, Jack Braud, Catelyn Fornaris and Lucy Fornaris, a sister Terry DeCelle Miller and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
James was a graduate of De La Salle High School and graduated in 1958. While there, he ran track and field and played football. He set many records in track and later in his life he was inducted into the hall of fame for athletic achievement at De La Salle High School. Then went on to LSU where he majored in business and physical education while continuing to excel in track and field, breaking and holding records for many years. He was an active member of the L Club.
He started his career coaching at Sam Barthe School for Boys. James served time with the United States Coast Guard and then worked for the Xerox Corporation for the majority of his career in sales and management, receiving awards and trips for outstanding sales performance.
He was a generous, supportive husband, father, and grandfather, who enjoyed treating his family to yearly trips to the beach which were one of the highlights of his life. He always looked forward to visiting the FloraBama lounge. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
A Visitation for James will be held Wednesday, May 25, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70006. Following the visitation will be a Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM at Leitz-Eagan Chapel.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com for the Fornaris family.
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