James J. "Jimmy" Culotta

CULOTTA James J. "Jimmy", age 98, a resident of Metairie and later of Slidell, LA, passed away at Colonial Nursing Home in Metairie on January 13, 2013. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jeanne, his parents Joseph and Lucia, brother Vincent and sister Rosie Culotta. He is survived by his children, son James J. "Jay" Culotta II, daughter Richelle Culotta Hecker, granddaughter Jennifer Culotta Baiamonte, grandsons Christoper Hecker, Kyle Hecker, sisters Sarah Culotta and Mrs. Frank J. (Josie) Giurintano, and numerous nieces and nephews. As the owner of James J. Culotta, Inc., Jimmy was a pioneer in the building/development business and one of the contributors to Jefferson Parish's rapid growth in the 1950's and 60's, but also built numerous buildings throughout southern Louisiana and the Deep South, in Mississipi, Alabama and Florida. Over his 60+ year career, Jimmy built the Delgado College science building, St. Catherine of Siena rectory and the Mississippi River Grain elevator. In addition to hundreds of homes, he developed and built numerous residential subdivisions, built, owned and operated motels, office buildings, shopping centers and restaurants. He also built numerous fire stations and schools, donating the land for some. Urged to run for public office when Jefferson Parish changed from Police Jury to Council form of government, Jimmy declined, but later accepted a five-year appointment as a founding member of the Parish Planning and Zoning Commission, serving as vice chairman, a volunteer community service appointment. Jimmy was listed as an Honored Professional in the National Register's Who's Who in Executives and Professionals and was an active member of the Greater New Orleans Home Builders Association for many years in the 60's and 70's. A devout Catholic, he was a supporter of St. Jude Thaddeus, Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel as well as the Archbishop's Community Appeal, WLAE, WYES, St. Catherine of Siena Church in Metairie and Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Slidell. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. on Thursday, January 17, 2013. Family will receive visitors beginning at 11:00 am, Mass will begin at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Alzheimer's Association. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.