James Joseph Le Blanc

Wednesday, September 22, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. He was 86, originally from Paincourtville, LA and a resident of Metairie, Louisiana since 1953. Survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Blackwell Le Blanc; 2 children and their spouses; James Scott Le Blanc and Carol Baker Le Blanc, Jamie Le Blanc Guzzino and Gerald Charles Guzzino, Jr.; 3 grandchildren Gwynneth Layne Le Blanc, Riley Ann Guzzino, and James Hunter Le Blanc; 3 siblings Georges E. LeBlanc Jr. and his wife Jean Le Blanc, Sonya Le Blanc Virgets, Terence F. Le Blanc and his wife Barbara Le Blanc. 3 godchildren: Flint Virgets, Claire Le Blanc and Keith Bennett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Georges Etienne Le Blanc and Jewelle Fowler Le Blanc, brother-in-law Warren Virgets and sister-in-law Maxine Le Blanc.

He attended St. Elizabeth School in Paincourtville, La., and graduated Valedictorian from Catholic High in Donaldsonville. He graduated with a Doctorate of Pharmacy from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduation he went into the Army and continued in the Army Reserves for 7 years. After he was discharged from the Army, he began working for K&B as a pharmacist. He continued with K&B for 40 years in various positions: pharmacist, relief manager, assistant manager, manager, supervisor, and assistant director of operations. In 1987 he was promoted to President and COO (Chief Operations Officer) of K&B Drugs. He held this position for 10 years until K&B was sold. He was also extremely active in the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Jim was well respected in his field and loved working for K&B. We use to say he bled purple. He was also on the board of Dugas & Le Blanc, LLC & Lulu-Westfield, LLC for numerous years. He was an asset to these companies with his business experience, insight, dedication and professionalism. He was a member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and a continued retreatant at Manresa. He had a very strong faith and praying the rosary was a daily ritual for him.

James Le Blanc also known as Jim, Big Jim and Armadillo Jim was an extraordinary, consummate gentleman who exuded remarkable class. For those who knew him, he was the ultimate host (Pig roasts, Halloween Bunco, Fourth of July parties, Memorial Day parties, crawfish boils, reunions, showers, engagement parties, even weddings, the list is endless), avid storyteller, amateur carpenter (houseboat) never-ending list maker, never met a stranger, extremely generous and just fun to hang out with. He loved to travel with Betty and his dear friends. He had an open door policy at our house growing up. Anyone was welcome to stay family, old friends, new friends and even strangers. Armadillo Jims was always open for business. Jim was always behind the bar ready to serve you a drink and tell anyone who would listen endless stories about K&B, all his travel expeditions, just about anything. He also loved getting to know people and always asked just the right questions. He fiercely loved his family and friends and you could tell it was reciprocated from the special bonds he formed with so many. Even though he only had 3 grandchildren he was hugely invested in their lives and so proud of them. And they love their Big Jim. Jim was a force that took charge and accomplished great things. His rich legacy and tremendous strength was truly admirable. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and will never be forgotten.

Visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 on Friday, October 1 from 11:00 until Mass at 1:00p.m. at Lake Lawn, Fr. Harry Bugler will be the celebrant. The interment will be at a later date. Pallbearers will be James Scott Le Blanc, James Hunter Le Blanc, Gerald Charles Guzzino, Jr., Terence Le Blanc, Flint Virgets, Georges Le Blanc III, Robert Sonnier and Ken Veca. Joseph Le Blanc will give the eulogy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4630 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119.