James Edward LaGrange

Breaux Bridge - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 1, 2026at St. Bernard Catholic Church honoring the life of James Edward LaGrange, 80, who passed away on March 28, 2026 in the comfort of home in Breaux Bridge.

A visitation will take place at Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge on Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and will continue on Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM on Tuesday.

Rev. Garrett McIntyre will officiate at the funeral mass. Readers will be Kayla Kilchrist and Chastity Soileau. Gift bearers will be his grandchildren.

Burial will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery No. 1.

James spent over 30 years as a dedicated senior engineering specialist at Dow Chemical, but to him, his most important titles were the unofficial ones: Captain of the Cecilia High School home team chain gang, Chief Taste-Tester for Jeremy’s cooking, and, of course, his very demanding “job” clocking in at the casino. He had a wit and charm that could instantly turn a stranger at a local breakfast spot into a friend.

Beneath that humorous personality was a man of profound devotion. Whether it was the steadfast care he and his siblings provided for their mother through her 102 years, or the immense joy he took in simply being present for his daughters, James always showed up for the people he loved. As a father, he coached his girls in softball and track, frequently taking them to the backyard to practice. On Saturdays you would find him at Sonic treating his girls to a sweet treat, at the movies, or working his magic at LSU home football games wheeling and dealing, showing up with no tickets in hand and sitting on the 50 yard line.

A highlight of his life was finally getting grandbabies. He attended everything from dance recitals, grandparents days, and graduations to soccer, volleyball, and wrestling matches. What made James so special was the joy he brought with him wherever he went. He didn't just attend family gatherings; he lit them up with his unmatched wit. He lived life with a twinkle in his eye, always ready with a joke. Family holidays will never be the same, but the memories will last forever.

He is survived by his daughters, Nicole Gautreaux (Ian), Jen Aguirre (Susie), and Stephanie Broussard (Jeremy); grandchildren, Olivia Gautreaux, Maddox Broussard, Chloe Gautreaux, Ali Broussard, and Lilli Aguirre; and sisters, Jeanette Hebert (C. J.), Belle Guidry (Chester), Nora Mowrer (Richard) and Linda LaGrange.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Anna Trahan LaGrange; brother, Bobby LaGrange; nephew, Luke LaGrange; and his godchild, Tammy Patin.

Pallbearers will be Ian Gautreaux, Jeremy Broussard, Maddox Broussard, Brian Guidry, Kaleb Guidry, Mark LaGrange, and Jason Bonnet.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who treated James with love and compassion.

Pellerin Funeral Home (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.