He was married to Eliska Halverson Counts of Westlake, Louisiana. Together they have surviving children,
Lori Breaud and husband David of Pollock, LA., Bobby Counts and wife Michelle of Orange, TX., Michael Counts and wife Vickie of Springfield, MO., James Randall Counts of Alexandria, LA. and Jamie Sutherland and husband Shannon of Sulphur, LA.; grandchildren, D.C. Breaud and wife Hannah, Kathryn Greene and husband Dinnon, Gage Counts, Carly Counts Daspit and husband Andrew, Nicholas Counts and wife Elizabeth N. Counts, Heather Counts, Hollie Counts, Hailey Counts, Caden M. Powers, Rylee Matilyn Powers and Chaise M. Sutherland; great grandchildren, Noah Daspit, Harper Counts, Briley Counts, Dade Breaud, Aubrey Ellis, Natalie Ellis, Angel Greene and Remi Greene.
Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings, David Counts, Paul Counts, Bonnie Graves, Herbert Counts and wife Pat, Eugene Counts and wife Pam, Elizabeth Rayborn and husband Terry, Herschel Counts and wife Linda and Ricky Counts and wife Hailey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Counts and Gladys Counts; brothers, Jordan Counts and Billy Counts; sisters, Mary Counts and Barbara McKenzie; sister-in-law, Irene Counts and brother-in-law Mack McKenzie; nieces, Donna Fulton, Jerry Lane and wife Jenny, Teresa Brashier and Greg McKenzie and wife Brenda; nephews, Gabe Counts, Jason Counts and Jake Counts and step son, Jerod P. Powers.
Jimmie, patriotic in all ways possible, loved his country and community coffee. Cherishing long naps and a great steak, Jimmie's family was what he truly cherished the most. He was raised in the South between the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. Jimmie worked hard and retired with Murphy Oil and Schneider National trucking. He enjoyed being on his boats, gardening, canning vegetables, visiting with neighbors, watching football and a huge bowl of meatballs and spaghetti. His family will remember him as always having juicy fruit gum available along with his self proclaimed title of "King of Smoothies".
Jimmie was one who sought out justice. Injustice was intolerable to him, he held the notion that we need to get God back in America. He was passionate that we return to the ways that America was founded on. Jimmie watched the nightly news with a shake of his head and the things he saw happening today truly touched his heart.
Anyone who knew Jimmie knew his love for the Waffle House. This was his go to spot anywhere he was in the United States. To him, they had the best hot coffee and breakfast!
Jimmie enjoyed traveling over his career, he truly has seen the world over, he embraced cultures, foods and languages that must of us would love to experience. His stories of travel abroad intrigued us all.
Jimmie loved the Grand Ole Opry, Gomer Pile, John Wayne Western movies and the old movie classic. We humorously recall one of his most loved songs by Ray Stevens "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival" and his fondness of the singing toy Billy the big mouth bass that played the song "Take me to the River". It is these moments that we can smile when we hear that God wink.
He loved the Lord Jesus, Jimmie would often be found in living room sitting listening to Gospel Hymns of long ago. He outwardly proclaimed his faith and his trust in his savior. It gives us great pleasure and peace knowing that he is in the presence of the Almighty. May he rest in eternal peace, until we meet again, we present this memorial and dedication of his memory. With Love, from his family and friends. Peace to all.
The family will welcome relatives and friends on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake (2409 Westwood Rd. Westlake, LA. 70669) beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life to begin at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Pastor Jeremy Smith of Moss Bluff Bible Church will officiate at the services. Burial will be immediately following at Dutch Cemetery in Carlyss, LA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Counts family.
