James Hoyt Huffman died in his home on Feb. 6, 2012 at the age of 92. He was the beloved husband of the late Joyce Burgamy Huffman and loving father of Judy Huffman Berey (husband Joseph), Janice Huffman Lacassin (husband Kenneth) and the late Stephen James Huffman. Son of the late Estella Gunsaulus and Leon Hoyt Huffman. Brother of Robert Huffman and Joyce Huffman Romano and the late Betty Huffman Daly, Joan Huffman Spires, and Donald W. “Billy” Huffman. Proud grandfather of Stephen James Huffman II, Scott Jason Huffman (wife Perla), Bethany Berey Sclafani (husband Mark), Melinda Berey Bradshaw (husband Matthew), Kevin Alan Lacassin (wife Lara) and Kristy Lacassin Owens (husband Nick). Great-grandfather of Sidney and Jenna Huffman, Joshua and Luciana Huffman, Stephen Sclafani, Luke, James, Ellie and Emmie Bradshaw, Katrina and Kenzie Lacassin and Nolan and Mason Owens.
Jim was born January 29, 1920 in Ravenna, Ohio but lived in Jefferson Parish since returning to the U.S. after WWII and marrying Joyce. He served proudly in the 15th Air Force Service Squadron in Italy during WWII. During the Korean Conflict he served as a Master Sergeant with the United States Marine Corps and then remained active in the Marine Corps Reserves for 18 years, retiring in 1965. In 2010 he was invited to join with an Honor Air group which toured Washington D.C. and returned home to a hero’s welcome in New Orleans. His business career of 38 years was spent with National Food Products serving as the Sales Manager until he retired in 1985.
Jim’s greatest joys in life included his bride Joyce to whom he was married for 62 years, his family and his church. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and is the grandson of Rev. Leonidas Shannon Huffman who holds the Ohio record for preaching longevity (age 95 yrs.). He has been a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church since 1978 and enjoyed singing in the choir and worshipping with his extended church family. His autobiography states: “If nothing else was learned by me during all these years, family is everything and our family has been greatly blessed.”
We thank God for providing the staff of Ville Ste. Marie who helped make his last years joyful, the staff of Canon Hospice who helped make his last months peaceful and the caregivers of Dependable Health Care who provided him with loving care and companionship.
Memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd., Metairie on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM preceded by visitation at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Paul’s UMC, 6500 Jefferson Highway, Harahan, LA 70123 preferred. Condolences may be offered at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18