Reverend James Jeanfreau Jr.

1962 - 2022

Reverend James Joseph Jeanfreau, Jr., a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, died on November 28, 2022. He was 60 years of age. Born on August 2, 1962 in New Orleans, LA, Father "Jimmy" is the son of the late James J. Jeanfreau, Sr. and the late Barbara A. Gravois. He is survived by his siblings: Karen Jeanfreau Bonneval (Floyd), Alan Jeanfreau (Angie), Brian Jeanfreau (Leslie), Troy Jeanfreau, and Father Greg Daigle who albeit unofficial, is an adopted brother of the family. He was the fun-loving Uncle to Nicole Bonneval Mauer (Kyle), Kyle Bonneval (Kaitlyn), Jennifer Jeanfreau, Tyler Jeanfreau, Brandon Jeanfreau, Luke Jeanfreau, Matthew Jeanfreau and the late Corey Jeanfreau. He was also Great Uncle to Kaylin Odom, Addison Odom, Greyson Odom, Corilynn Butler and James Bonneval. Fr. Jimmy attended elementary school at St. Mary Magdalen in Metairie. His secondary education was at St. John Vianney Prep and East Jefferson High School. He attended Louisiana State University, Florida Atlantic University, Duke University, and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He earned a B.S. in Engineering; a M.S. in Oceanographic Engineering from Florida Atlantic and a Masters of Divinity from Notre Dame Seminary. Fr. Jimmy was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of New Orleans on May 30, 1992. He served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Belle Chasse, St. Catherine of Siena Church in Metairie, and St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Slidell. His pastorates were at St. Jerome Church in Kenner, and Immaculate Conception Church in Marrero. In addition to these pastoral assignments, Fr. Jeanfreau served as Chaplain at Cabrini High School, Pope John Paul II High School, and Ursuline Academy. He served in Bolivia with the Missionary Society of St. James the Apostle, and was the Associate Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, served on the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors. Fr. Jimmy was pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Marrero and Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies at the time of his death. Fr. Jimmy enjoyed life to the fullest and found his greatest joy's while spreading the Gospel and serving others. He enjoyed backpacking, playing tennis, hosting poker games, and spending time with family and friends. He loved to cook and frequently treated others to dishes inspired by his missionary work in Latin America. He was an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed making gifts which are cherished by those who received them. He touched the lives of countless people and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Visitation will take place at Immaculate Conception Church, 4401 Seventh Street, Marrero, on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place in the tomb for Archdiocesan priests at St. Louis #3 Cemetery, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fr. Jimmy's name to the Pontifical Mission Societies, UNO Newman Center, 2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, LA 70148-0001.