Robert Adam James, Sr.

Robert Adam James, Sr. peacefully died Sunday morning, May 24, 2020, in the loving presence of family and caregivers. He embraced life for 97 years, during which “he never met a stranger.” He is survived by his children, Debra James Laine Wehmeyer (Gus), Loralyn James Walther, Terance M. James (Mary D.), Timothy J. James (Angele E.), Patricia James Ruiz (Keith), grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Mary Cecile Conners James, his son, Robert A. James, Jr., parents, Thomas A. James, Sr. and Ernestine Wasmuth James, siblings, Thomas A. James, Jr., Mary Elizabeth James LeNormand, Donald E. James, Sr., in-laws, Leo and Virginia Conners, Loretta Gernon, Josette Walker, and Thomas Conners, and son-in-law, Dennis Laine.

He attended Lusher Elementary and Fortier High School, where his football coach nicknamed him “Jyper” because he played football like Knute Rockne, “The Gipper”. He attended Tulane University on a football scholarship, but the bombing of Pearl Harbor interrupted his studies. He enlisted in the US Navy to defend this country and served our nation during WWII on the US Submarines Dolphin and Clamagore. Following Robert’s military service, he worked for Orkin Exterminating Company and became a licensed entomologist. After Robert and Mary welcomed their sixth child, they started James Pest Control. With his wife’s constant support, he built a thriving business and served as President of Louisiana State Pest Control Association and President of the Optimist Club. Mr. James believed in serving others and serving the community. He coached youth football at Metairie Playground, participated with Young Men’s Business Club, and served at St. Angela Merici Church as an usher and with the Knights of Columbus. An avid football fan, he cheered for the Tulane University Green Wave and was one of the original New Orleans Saints Season ticket holders.

Robert lived his faith by devoting his life to family, work, and helping anyone in need. He will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. He truly was one of the “Greatest Generation”.

An evening viewing will be held on Friday, June 5, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie, LA. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at St. Angela Merici Church, 901 Beverly Garden Dr. Metairie, LA. Viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 10:45 am, with a Funeral Mass to begin at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery 5190 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA.

The family asks that guests please observe current COVID-19 health precautions: wearing a mask, hand washing, and social distancing.