James Leonard Core

1942 - 2024

James Leonard Core passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024. He was born in Baton Rouge, LA on September 3, 1942. He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Susanne Ogden Core; his children, Joseph "Joe" Core, Christina Core DelVescovo, Amy (Bilbo) Strain and Marshall (Britni) Core; his 6 loving grandchildren, Erika Erwin, William (Erin) Strain, Anthony DelVescovo, Skylar DelVescovo, Easton Dagro, and Francesca Core. He is also survived by his siblings, Janet Susan Core and Patricia Ann Core as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Juanita Hazel Bruhl Core and James Jacob Core. James Leonard was a lifelong resident of St. Tammany, belonging to a large pioneer family since the 1700s. When anyone asked if he was related to someone with the last name "Core", he would say, "If they live north of Winn-Dixie, we are kin." James was raised in a loving Christian home and became a charter member of Red Bluff Baptist Church on Bennett Bridge Road in Folsom, LA. He participated as a RA's and in the Youth Choir, even helping to build the original campus building when he was a teenager. After school, James worked milking cows for $9.00 a week, and assisted his father and uncle in the dirt business. As a teenager, he began his rodeo career as a bull rider, and as he progressed in stature, he started steer wrestling. James attended Covington High, where he was a talented football player and earned a scholarship to Pearl River Jr. College. At the age of 23, James was drafted by the Army for the Vietnam War. He recalls when they bombed Hanoi, and his base was locked down. He even saw the filming of Goldfinger while in training. During this time, James had the opportunity to go airborne with his new friend from New Jersey, Ray Lindsey, but he declined, stating he "did not want to kill anyone." God had another plan for him that he may not have realized. He knew how to operate that "big yellow steel" since he was 14 years old. This benefited his fellow soldiers in the Guard, because he became a leader and taught the men called to tame the jungles of Vietnam, building the necessary infrastructure of roads, airstrips, and bridges. He told me a story of his summer training when the commander asked the men in line, "who could unload a lowboy of the equipment?" He raised his hand, proceeded to unload it effortlessly, and was immediately promoted in rank. He served over eight years in the National Guard under Colonel Prieto. James also served as a peace-loving St. Tammany sheriff's deputy for six years. He had many stories, including being part of a strong force called to protect civil rights leader A.Z. Young as he marched through St. Tammany on his famous march to Baton Rouge, LA. As a young family man, James experienced near-fatal incidents in the line of duty twice, which led him to contemplate a career change. He accepted the position as street commissioner of Covington under Mayor Ernest Cooper. While serving as street commissioner, he and his cousin Dickie Core started Covington Paving, which operated for over 25 years. James could recount every road he built in St. Tammany and Washington Parish. An avid deer hunter, James joined the Red Bluff Hunting Club at the age of 30. He was also appointed by Parish Councilman Herman Sharp to be a board member for St. Tammany Hospital around this time, eventually becoming the chairman of Building and Grounds. He served faithfully and honorably for almost 44 years, helping to transform St. Tammany Parish Hospital from a small local facility into a world-class healthcare destination. James led a long and busy life, somehow managing several jobs while being a husband and father to four wonderful children. He made many lifelong friends due to his charismatic and friendly demeanor. I will always cherish the all-too-short time I had with my dear husband and life partner, who always supported and encouraged me. He will forever be in our hearts, and we will continue to enjoy the fruits of his life of service as we drive down the roads he built and seek healthcare. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Core may be made to St. Tammany Health Foundation, 1202 South Tyler Street, Covington, LA, 985-898-4110; https://www.sthfoundation.org/donate. There will be a wake at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington LA 70433 on Friday evening, November 1, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. On Saturday morning there will be a gathering at Red Bluff Baptist Church, 15204 Highway 1078, Folsom, LA 70437 beginning at 9:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Core Cemetery, Folsom, LA. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Core family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.