Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James LaReau Obituary
James N. "Frenchy" LaReau, 73, of Lafayette died at 9:37 PM Monday, June 17, 2013 at St. Elizabeth East. He was born August 3, 1939, in Kankakee, IL, to the late Lionel and Lorena Martell LaReau. James graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1957, where he played varsity baseball.
On September 10, 1960 he married Mary Cecilia Hession at St. Mary Cathedral. Shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, she passed away on September 22, 2010.
Jim worked in chemical manufacturing and was a warehouse supervisor for Eli Lilly & Co. He retired after 25 years of service. Prior to working for Eli Lilly, he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service. Jim enjoyed coaching youth baseball, playing golf, and visiting casinos. He was an avid Purdue and Chicago Cubs fan. Jim was a parishoner of St. Mary Cathedral where he volunteered as an usher and sang in the choir. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as past Grand Knight and also belonged to the Sons of the American Legion.
Surviving are his children Michele LaReau of Lafayette, Brian LaReau (wife Amy) of London, UK,
Daniel LaReau (wife Carol) of Noblesville, IN, Jerome LaReau (wife Jennie) of Carmel, IN and
Timothy LaReau of Indianapolis, IN. Jim enjoyed his grandchildren Audrey McGill, Jenny Scott (husband Eric), Brittany Green (husband Peter), Kayla McGill, Brett LaReau, Brianna LaReau, Chris LaReau, Katie LaReau, and great granddaughter, Kylie Scott. Also surviving are his sisters Marlys Daugherty (husband Bruce) of South Windsor, CT, Wilda Pritchard of Lafayette, IN and Wilma Dexter of Milwaukee, WI. He was preceded in death by a son Kevin LaReau and a brother, Charles LaReau.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10:30AM in St. Mary Cathedral, Fr. Jeff Martin officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to the Gibault Children's Services or St. Mary Cathedral. Sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James LaReau
Shelia Osterman
July 15, 2013
Jim was one of the first people that I met when I moved into my house. I could (and sometimes did) talk to him for hours. His wisdom, strength, and understanding reminded me of my Dad. I've missed Jim and Mary Ceil since you moved.
Ken Benkeser
June 22, 2013
Mr. LaReau was one of the many fathers in our Catholic School community that raised my generation. A selfless and gentle man; his legacy lives on with his fine children.
Josh and Mary Zulu
June 21, 2013
Michele and family:-We are so very sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. We are very happy that we were able to visit with him at Aunt Rita's birthday party. May his soul rest in the peace of Our Lord!
Steve Klinker
June 21, 2013
Frenchy now joins his soul partner and son graced with eternal peace. As you recall his life with favorite memories, take comfort in knowing that his light burned brightly and will forevermore. Our thoughts and prayers are shared with all the Lareau family.
Charles Nichols
June 20, 2013
To The Family.
Please Accept our Condolence of the Loss of Jim, He was such A Nice Man Willing to Help me with Any Project, That I had Conserns About, I Know he will be Truly Missed.
Regards.
Charles E. Nichols Sr. and Family.
June 20, 2013
How well I remember Jim and his dad at baseball practice for St.B. "Lash" will find a game playing for the good guys.
Pat and Karen McDowell
Thomas Mullen
June 20, 2013
Sorry for your loss, my prayers are with your whole family!
Lisa Daugherty Philbrick
June 20, 2013
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Keep your memories close to your heart! I know that I will remember Uncle Jim with a smile on my face. All the back yard picnics and games of cards!! I love all of you!
Andy/Cheri LaReau
June 19, 2013
So sorry for your loss, Cousins. I know there is a big LaReau family reunion going on now in Heaven.
Alice Anderson
June 19, 2013
My condolences at the passing of Jim LaReau...I remember him from the St. Mary Cathedral choir. (I am a classmate of Eileen Weiss and Helen Hession.) May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Cheryl Foltz
June 19, 2013
Prayers for your family Dan, so sorry for your loss.
Tom Leach
June 19, 2013
Rest in peace, my friend. You wore it well.
Tom
Debbie Turner
June 19, 2013
Jerome, Jennie and Katie, Please know that during this time you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the knowledge that your father is with your mother in heaven with our Lord and Savior be a comfort to you.
June 19, 2013
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Jim. As a supporter of LUM, he will be missed. May his soul rest in peace and may He hold you in the palm of His hand. Board and staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry.
June 19, 2013
Jerome/Jennie and family,
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. It's a sad time to lose a parent. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the wonderful memories of your father and knowing that he is with God, your mother and other family members that have passed, bring you peace at this time. Jane Gehlhausen
June 19, 2013
Family. sorry for your loss, I worked with Jim at lilly. Did not care much for him. Larry Judson
Pat Murphy
June 19, 2013
I think we played baseball onthe same team back in summer of 1954. You were a great player and team mate.God bless you and your family.
You were a tremendous role model and provider for our family. We will miss you, Dad!
Jerome LaReau
June 18, 2013
Thomas Shoemaker
June 18, 2013
A great loving person. We had alot of laughs over the years when I first became a member of the K.O.C. I will miss you Jimmy your with your Mary now in a much better place, Tom
Chris Karr
June 18, 2013
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Deepest sympathy,
Chris Karr
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in James LaReau's name
Memorial Events
for James LaReau
Funeral services provided by:
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909-7113
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James LaReau's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
