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Wilbur Fields Joffrion
Brigadier General, Army
BATON ROUGE - Died at Ollie Steele Burden Manor on Thursday, February 11, 2016. He was 91, was born and grew up in Alexandria, LA and was a resident of Baton Rouge since 1958. Visitation will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 8833 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, from 2pm to religious services at 4pm on Monday, February 15, 2016, conducted by the Rev. Bryan Owen. Military burial to be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville, LA, the following day, Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 12pm.
Survived by wife, Marie Grace "Beebe" Joffrion, Baton Rouge, and four children: son, Davidson S. Joffrion and wife, Lisa, Colorado Springs, CO; daughters, Marian J. Colburn and husband, Terry, Searcy, AR; Ruth G. Joffrion, Baton Rouge; and Madeleine Joffrion, Orlando, FL; and five granddaughters, Laura, Emily and Allyson Hope Joffrion, Cassandra Jardine, and Leah Paras. He is also survived by a sister, Hope Joffrion McCollam and husband, Wm. McCollam, New Orleans; brother, Bush D .Joffrion, Baton Rouge; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Bush and Hope Joffrion, Alexandria.
Will was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Alexandria until 1958, then he was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, from 1958 until his death. He served on the vestry at St. Luke's, was an active usher, a Stephen Minister, and very involved in writing the history of St. Luke's.
He attended public schools in Alexandria, LSU (1 yr.), graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, and obtained a Master's Degree at Tulane University while on active army duty. Will served in the army in Germany and Korea, and also as an instructor at West Point. He resigned his Army commission in 1958 and remained in the Army Reserves.
Will joined the Bynum and Grace Insurance Agency owned by Thomas Grace, his father-in-law. He worked there for 36 years as an agent, partner, officer, and owner. He retired from the agency, then Bynum, Grace, and Joffrion, in 1994. He obtained the CPCU and CIC insurance designation, was a past president of the former Baton Rouge Insurance Exchange, and was the lead organizer of the Associated Risk Managers of Louisiana, a marketing network of local independent insurance agencies.
Will served 12 years on active army duty and 23 years in the army reserves, being promoted to Brigadier General in 1976, and retired from the army in 1981 having served four years as the commander of the 377th Theater Army Area Command, a general officer command located in New Orleans. He was State Director of the Selective Service System from 1989 to 2001.
He was active in numerous military, patriotic, and civic organizations, including the Downtown Kiwanis Club since 1959, the Military Order of World Wars, the Military Officers Association of America, the General Philemon Thomas Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (past president), and the Sons and Daughters of the Provence and Republic of West Florida ( past governor). He was a charter member of the state committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, and was inducted into the LSU Military Hall of Honor in 1998.
History and especially family history was a later passion of Will. He wrote a book on his memoirs, and also one on his family genealogy. He traced his Joffrion background to southern France, and he and Beebe along with brother Bush enjoyed visiting family members in France and celebrating the French relatives coming to visit Louisiana.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Will's memories will be cherished by family and friends. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff and caregivers at Ollie Steele Burden Manor. In lieu of flowers the family asked that memorials be considered for St. Luke's Episcopal Church or a charity of choice. Rabenhorst in Baton Rouge is in charge of the arrangements.
"...And When One's Work is Done,
Our Course on Earth is Run,
May it be said,
Well Done, Be Thou at Peace."
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So sorry for your loss
Betty and Warren Bello
March 11, 2016
Will was a truly gracious and kind gentleman and a loyal patriot. We met through our mutual connection with ESGR, of which I was a member for 20 years. My sympathy to Marie and all the family. May he rest in peace. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Nan Landry Schellhaas
February 16, 2016
Our prayers and deepest sympathies are
with you. Joe & Anne (Neubig) Newby
Anne Newby
February 15, 2016
He was a true southern gentleman. He will be missed.
Shirley & Tom Newsham
February 13, 2016
Will certainly will be greatly missed by
so many. I had the privilege of being in a bible study with him for many years. He is a Christian and a gentleman. Gordon Jarnagin
February 13, 2016
My sympathy is extended to the entire family. Will was an effective leader of the Sons & Daughters of the Republic & Province of West Florida.
Barbara Strickland
February 13, 2016
Dearest Beebe and Children,
I fondly remember as a small boy meeting Wil when you returned to Louisiana and our recent visit at Mom's. Our families go back so very far. I will never forget how close we have been and that the extended Grace family is our family. Our thoughts and condolences are with you and your wonderful family at this time.
Love,
Janis and George Bentley
George Bentley
February 13, 2016
We were saddened to hear of General Joffrion's passing yet consoled that he is now in the hands of our loving Savior. As Milton wrote, Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity. The Joffrion Family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Requiem aeternam dona ei Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescant in pace. Amen. - Connie and Bill Allerton
Bill Allerton
February 13, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Joffrion family on the loss of their wonderful father, grandfather, and sibiling and especially to Mrs. Joffrion on the loss of her husband. I have so many memories of conversations with Wil at the Old State Capitol or whenever I met him at events inspired by his love of history and his interest in France. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Adelaide Russo
February 13, 2016
On behalf of all detachments in the State of Louisiana, USMCL, please accept our sincere sympathy upon the temporary loss of your loved one and our brother, and a Christian US Army patriot. I mentioned temporary loss because it says in God's Word, once we believers leave our earthly bodies we are at home with the Lord. We will be at home with the Lord together once again - forever.
Charles A. McGowen, II, State Chaplain
February 13, 2016
OFFERING PRAYERS FOR A FALLEN SOLDIER.
Barry Jarreau
February 13, 2016
So sorry to hear of Mr Will's passing. He was the most honorable gentleman I've known. Peace be with the family.
Kathy Huffstutter
February 13, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers will be lifted up for the family.
Chris Bello Gallien
February 12, 2016
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