James Walter "Red" Hailey, Jr.

James W. “Red” Hailey, Jr., passed away peacefully on November 17, 2022, surrounded by family. He was 94 years old. A native New Orleanian, he was born on May 8, 1928 to James W. Hailey, Sr. of Paducah, KY, and Alma Butler Hailey of Alexandria, Louisiana. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Elizabeth Blair Hailey of Baton Rouge, and Dorothy Hereford Hailey of New Orleans. Red’s beloved wife was the former Diane Dixey of New Orleans. They were married for 41 years until she passed away in 1997. He is survived by their six children: Dixey Arterburn of Dallas, TX; Blair Reynolds of New Orleans; Harriet Rouhana of New Orleans; Dottie Ohlrich (Mark) of Vero Beach, FL; Charlotte Dorion (Chris) of New Orleans; and James W. Hailey III (Elizabeth) of Metairie. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Hailey and Libby Arterburn; Mikey (Ashley), Kyle (Megan) and Sean (Mandy) Reynolds; Hailey Rouhana Malone (Nick) and Ryan Rouhana; Brittany Ohlrich Salm (Jason) and Austin Ohlrich; Connor and Colin Dorion; and Diane and Ellen Hailey, as well as 7 great grandchildren. Red was also predeceased by his second wife, Nancy Moore Hailey, to whom he was married for 21 years until she passed away in 2020.

Red was a 1946 graduate of Fortier High School. He received his degree in petroleum engineering from LSU, where he was a proud member of the Epsilon Chapter of SAE Fraternity, which he shared with his son and several grandsons. Red served in Korea as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was a graduate of Tulane University Business School, and Tulane University Law School in 1960. He was a founding partner of Hailey, McNamara, Hall, Larmann & Papale, LLC, and was well known and respected throughout the New Orleans legal community.

Red was a devout Catholic. One of his proudest moments was singing in the church’s choir before Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in 1985. Red was the founding captain of the men’s Easter Weekend retreat at Manresa for many years until passing it to his son.

Red was also a well-known exercise enthusiast, running daily in Audubon Park for many years. He was determined to run in the first marathon of the millennium, which he did on January 1, 2000 in New Zealand. He was an avid tennis player and was also a Bridge Master. Before he moved to Lambeth House in 2022, he loved going to “the swings” in the Meditation Garden at Audubon Park and could be found there most days at 5 pm, enjoying the weather and a cold beer. He was a zealous fan of the LSU Tigers and the Saints, whom he followed until the last days of his life. Red was a member of several carnival organizations, the New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club, and the New Orleans Country Club.

Although many people say they “never met a stranger,” for Red this was the absolute truth. Red befriended everyone he met, even in passing, displaying a genuine interest in them as they talked about a shared interest, usually football, bridge, or family.

Red’s true love was being surrounded by family. Red’s priceless gift to his family was the reunion every summer at Callaway Gardens in Georgia, which kept the ever-growing four generations close, especially his grandchildren, whom he cherished.

Red will be sorely missed by his loving family and his wide and varied friend circles. The family wishes to thank all of those who provided Red with excellent care and attention during his final year at Lambeth House.

Visitation and funeral services will be Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70118. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with Mass at 12:00 noon. Interment with military honors will be immediately following in Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Red’s name to Most Holy Name of Jesus Church; Manresa House of Retreats, 5858 La-44, Convent, LA 70723; or the charity of your choice. The service will be livestreamed at https://m.youtube.com/@HNJChurchNewOrleans/streams. The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.