Captain James Gibson "Jimmy" Gagnon

Captain James "Jimmy" Gibson Gagnon, age 76, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 22, 2021. He grew up in New Orleans with his siblings Lynn Paul, Milton, Don, and Mary Beth. He was a resident of Hammond and graduated from Holy Cross where he was a two time Louisiana State Wrestling Champion. Jimmy was a River Pilot and member of the New Orleans Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association for 40 years. He loved his "River Family" as brothers. Even before Jimmy graduated high school, he longed to work on the Mississippi River. His family's legacy is rooted deep in a life on the river. His great-grandmother, Mary Doullut, was the first woman to earn a pilot's license for inland waterways in south Louisiana. Jimmy always felt most at home on the water. One of his favorite quotes was "There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." He enjoyed being with his family & friends, and would never turn down an opportunity to spend time at the fishing or hunting camps. Jimmy was President of the Old Fashion Gun & Social Club and looked forward to the annual Shoot Out with the guys. Son of the late Thelma Doullut and Lynn Gagnon. He is preceded in death by his brothers Lynn Paul Gagnon and Milton Gagnon. Devoted husband of Jeri Musmeci Gagnon, loving father of Captain Dean James Gagnon and Captain Caitlin Gagnon Hall. He is survived by his grandchildren Chloe Gagnon, Jarrett Gagnon, Ellie Hall, Riley Bennett, and Armand Orihuela. He leaves behind his brother and best friend Captain Don Gagnon, his sister Mary Beth Gagnon, his sisters-in-law Lynn Nunez Gagnon and Cindy Gallo Gagnon, his son-in-law Kevin Hall, his daughter-in-law Dr. Nicole Cosse Gagnon, his stepsons Brett Bennett and Jordan Bennett, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jimmy is best remembered for his funny wit, silly grin and love of gin. Wise, insightful, and loving, he will be deeply missed. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Jimmy's life on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at The Salmen-Fritchie House, 127 Cleveland Ave., Slidell, LA. Please practice social distancing and wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Jimmy's name has been established with the Northshore Community Foundation to support The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. You may donate by clicking on this link https://www.northshorefoundation.org/in-memoriam-gagnon or mail your donation in Jimmy's memory directly to The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, 133 Mabel Dr, Madisonville, LA 70447. Arrangements by Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home 3827 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119. Condolences may be left at www.schoenfh.com.