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John Code Obituary

CODE John Code, Jr., age 82, entered into eternal life in Heaven on Thursday, December 24, 2009. A native of New Orleans, he lived in Arabi, LA for 37 years and was a resident of Metairie for the past 19 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jean Louise Guidroz Code. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Evelyn Code. He was the proud father of three daughters: Anne Elizabeth Code, Eileen Code Bodet (Scott), Gail Code Poché (William); three sons: David Code (Andreé), Robert Code (Amy) and Michael Code (Cassi). He had 15 grandchildren who were each "the best one": Darren, Jayme, and Stephanie Bodet; Robert (Erin), Jeanne, Brian and David Poché; David "DJ" and Courtney Code; Nicholas and Benjamin Code; Ashley, Jonathan, Katie and Andrew Code and his first great grandchild on the way. He is survived by three sisters: Evelyn "Dolly" Code Guidroz of Cutoff, LA, Sister Mary John Code, D.C. and Elaine Code Witty of Montegut, La. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, John retired from Shell Oil Company after 35 years; he returned to school and earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Orleans at the age of 70 years. John was the ultimate do-it-yourselfer; his masterpiece was building his dream home after retiring. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1908 Short St., Kenner, LA on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 1:00PM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Interment will be in Hope Mausoleum, 4841 Canal St, New Orleans, LA. In lieu of flowers, Masses preferred. The online guestbook is available at www.legacy.com. Arrangements handled by Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Dec. 26 to Dec. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Code

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January 8, 2010

May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish. We have enjoyed reading about this wonderful man, Mr. John Code, Jr., who was so loved and respected by so many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Susie Carter

bobby guidroz

January 4, 2010

sorry to hear about uncle buddy,we know all of you will miss him very much at times memories will come up at different times. but we all have the comfort in knowing because of Jesus ransom sacrifice he will be resurrected. again our deep heart feeling for all of you bobby, judy, scotty, tammy, ryan, ashley, john, liz, brooke, nathan, michael, sophie, stanislas,and robert

Michael Code

December 30, 2009

To all of our family and friends, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. We appreciate the comments made on this page. They bring us comfort as we grieve the loss of our Dad.

Scott Bodet, son-in-law

December 29, 2009

By request.... this essentially were the thoughts I drew from when I spoke of Mr. Johnny. The parts that were repeated in either Darren’s or Michael’s words, I deleted from my Eulogy.

John Code, Jr. Eulogy
September 1, 1927 – December 24, 2009

John, Johnny, Mr. Johnny, Buddy, Daddy, Paw-Paw…. Name tags assigned during a lifetime. But just who is John Code? Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Father-in-law, Friend ….. he is all of these things as well.

But what does it all mean. What defines that “dash/—“ in someone’s life between the date of birth and the date we leave this earth.

These are some of my remembrances of Mr. Johnny during the 30 years I have known him.

Before there was google, or ask.com, and before Gore invented the internet…. there was John Code. He was a self made man… a self taught man. Jack of all trades/master of none did not apply to him. His attention to detail, his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and his ability to “fix” anything was matched by no one. When Eileen and I purchased a set of encyclopedias, Johnny would come over, pull a list of subjects from his pocket, and just read on various subjects that interested him. He would spend days at Barnes & Nobles, just reading and learning (up until this past Wed, Dec 23…. when asked did he want to go to Barnes & Nobles, he said “no, I’ve read all the books”).

I have many fond memories of seeing him working on some project (there seemed to always be a project…. whether it was a transmission pulled down, and air conditioner disassembled, a washer or dryer broken down…. ANY household appliance or car…. you didn’t dare waste money on a repairman…. and if there were any parts left over, he would say the phrase that I heard so many times since… “oh gee”). There was the one time that the transmission wasn't fixed completely... in that there wasn't a reverse. He would have to hope Ms. Antoinette’s car was not in her driveway when he turned the corner, that way he could hit it at the right angle on the slope, then put the car in neutral in order to back down the driveway. Or when Eileen had borrowed the car to take Darren to school and she pulled headlong into a parking space.... Darren had to get out and push the car onto Severn so she could continue on. Johnny would not only fix/repair his projects, he would also fix yours AND provide detailed instructions to you so you could also possess that knowledge (and no matter how many times he explained open/closed circuits, ohms, amps, volts, and reading meters to me…. I’d always rely on him the next time…. and he would be there without fail). His study contained a myriad of books and manuals on how just about everything worked. Each with some infinite details written by his own hand. 3 such books were open on his desk in an attempt to prove Darren wrong on the problem he was having with the car last Wednesday.

His attention to detail and precise drawings led to the “boys” team losing many a point to the “girls” team in games of Pictionary….. as time would expire during his depiction of a 4 poster bed in minute detail, when a stick figure would have sufficed. And his insistence on a straight line over and over again, pointing to it with his pencil, tongue sticking out…. was indeed an “oasis.”

I believe one of his greatest joys was being called on to help with some project that had stumped some of our simpler minds. He so enjoyed teaching “how” to fix things and also building things. He was in his glory, working with all the guys on all those doubles and houses…. there he was, the ground engineer making all the cuts for us laborers up in the upper reaches of the structure. Long point, short point cuts, never missing a beat (David, the only mistakes were when we gave him the wrong measurement, as you would so eloquently say... “that cost me another $100 board”).

He was the newest Saints fan. He actually started to watch football in earnest for the first time in his life. My daughters would go over to the house to study and pawpaw was in the study watching the game. Even as grandma would turn the game off in the den, not wanting to watch some disheartening moment, you could hear the game blaring from the study. If the quarterback threw an interception, Johnny would say “he threw it right to him Jean,” just as if he had a complete and full understanding of the game ! We even found a color printout of the Saints schedule in pawpaw’s office, with completed games lined thru perfectly, with the remaining games reflecting each team’s current record (that attention to detail). Give him another season and he’d have it completely dissected and mapped out into the various aspects of the game that could have helped Miles or Peyton!

If you ever wanted to engage in a lively debate, choose the liberal side of any issue and try to defend it in a discussion with him. And yes Johnny, we really do believe that OJ did it.

He was an unselfish man. Always put his family and others ahead of himself. If he went to get himself a beer, he came back with one for everyone. If it was the last beer, he gave it to you without hesitation.

He loved each one of his 15 grandkids. They always quizzed him with the question of, “I’m the best one, right pawpaw?” A question of much debate when all were together, to which he’d always laugh and say “yea” to each one when asked. And they all could do no wrong ! How many times did his 6 kids say (when the 15 grandkids were allowed to get away anything), “that is not the same man that raised me!” And don’t try to stop the grandkids from having “fun”… amongst all the chaos, because Johnny would just say “ah, leav’em be”…. And of course if something was broken, it was “Oh, gee,” and just another project for pawpaw to fix. These were the times when he would tell grandma, “This is what it’s all about Jean.”

Now Johnny is watching over all of us…. I won’t say looking down on us, because Johnny looked down on no one, he loved and respected everyone.

If you’re struggling with how to grieve or how to remember Johnny, I’d ask that you reflect on sometime in your life, when you said “Johnny, I need a favor” or “can you help me with…..,” and then remember the man that responded to that request, how he gave of himself so unselfishly.

As best as I can figure…. that sometime on Thursday, December 24, 2009…. God had a problem and needed Johnny to figure it out, as only Johnny could.

God Bless and Keep you Mr. Johnny….

Darren Bodet

December 29, 2009

Paw Paw
I want to tell you how I knew the man Paw Paw. He loved each and everyone one of us "his best ones" and although he may not have ever known it but he was an inspiration for me throughout my life and he showed me that hard work goes along with getting your hands dirty and that there was absolutely nothing wrong with that. Some of my most fondest memories were with his always exciting drives, I emphasize exciting because it was just that although unpredictable would have been a better word. I remember evacuating for Hurricane George; there we were Robert just getting his learners permit, Paw Paw and I. Me and Rob in the front and Paw Paw sound asleep in the back. Ooohh what a ride until it was noticed that I was in the front and not Paw Paw, later in that trip I noticed right outside Memphis a Copeland’s, well as both Robert, Brian and I know it as Pokies. There was also a time when I was trying to get an old truck running in my driveway and Paw Paw came over, poured a little gas in the carb and said crank her up, to that the engine roared to life and the truck caught fire, when I looked at Paw Paw he just said AAAAwww Gee mash the gas the fire will go out. Finally my most recent memory was the Sunday before Christmas; he got to see his next Engineer walk across the stage. I remember looking up and seeing Paw Paw wave, I knew he was proud because he convinced me to keep pushing thru because it will all be worth it. Well Paw Paw I Love You and I cherished every moment I spent with you. You taught me that nothing is bigger than me and no matter what as long as I believe I can accomplish anything. I was told years ago that once a man twice a boy, well Paw Paw you made it as Once a Boy, Once a Man, and Once a Believer, because you gave me a reason to believe and keep pushing on. Thank You, I Love You, you inspired me and each of your 15 best ones, and I cannot want to have the First and Last with you in Paradise.

Love Your Grandson,

Darren

vickie lubrano

December 28, 2009

miss jean and family,

i am sorry to hear about mr. john. my thoughts and prayers are with you all. love and blessings,

Sal Coco

December 28, 2009

To the Code Family - I'm deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. We had some great experiences studying together as students at UNO, and later working together in the Engineering field post graduation. What great accomplishments he has made in his life. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with the Code family.

Kerry Kerlec Lincoln

December 28, 2009

Eileen,Anne,Gail and family,
I'm so sorry about the lost of your Dad. Having just gone through this with my Dad, I know exactly how you feel. Know that as time goes by, you'll still miss him so, But the pain lessens a little with every day. Keep him in your heart and mind so you will feel his love forever. You will be in my thoughts and prayers always. I'm here if you need someone to talk to.

Larry Landry

December 28, 2009

David, Anne and members of the family, my sympathies are with you during this time of sorrow. Larry Landry (formerly of Arabi)

RICK FLICK

December 28, 2009

hey Robert, I am so sorry to have learned that your dad passed away and want to let you know our thoughts and also our prayers will be with you and your family at this time. if there is anything we can help you with let me know. i am sure your father was a good and careing man and will be missed alot. May God bless you and your family my friend.

Paula Brossette-Dunne

December 28, 2009

Anne,
I'm so sorry to hear of your dear father's passing. If only mere words could comfort. I wish so much to be there with you! I always enjoyed the times your mom and dad stopped in to say hello at our get togethers. They brought back memories of my family living on Karl Street and St. John Vianney. I think you are much like your father, Anne. And what a wonderful family you have!

PATRICIA TRAPANI-WELKER

December 27, 2009

Robert, Praying for You and Your Family at this most difficult time. Let us remember Our Loved One's that will never be forgotten. You are your Father's Son Robert,You are the most Caring Person and I am proud to have You as my Friend. So,so sorry for the loss of Your Father

Sam Martello

December 27, 2009

Robert,
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Sue and Roy Bernheisel

December 27, 2009

It is with great sadness to hear of MR. John's passing. We often think of the good times on Karl St. Death leaves a heatach no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Sandy and Carl Baribault

December 27, 2009

Family and working on projects always seemed to make Uncle Johnny the happiest. His passion and energy were an inspiration to all of us and his greatest legacy is his wonderful family. The Cordrays have all of you in our prayers. Our love and deepest sympathy.

Barney Fussell

December 26, 2009

Robert,

Mark and I will keep your dad in our prayers. I will never forget out trip with Shell to Denver when we made the infamous 10 foot chain of Coors beer tabs. He was a wonderful person and a dear friend.

Barney Fussell (and Mark Fussell)

Philip La Nasa

December 26, 2009

To the entire Code Family - Rachel and I so enjoyed talking to your Dad at the several special gatherings we attended. We cannot express how sorry we are for you all and will keep him and you in our prayers.

Howard Schultz

December 26, 2009

I and friend of mine,Greg Lyle talked about John just yesterday. We talked about how John taught us his knowledge of piping design at Shell. Also we appreciated his sharing the best restaurants to go to on our field trips. In fact I was planing to give John a call and have coffee with him Monday when I was in New Orleans. The years working with John gave me the insight of a man who loved his family very much and was very proud of his family.

Billy & Linda Wetzel

December 26, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ernie & Marianne Cobden

December 26, 2009

Ernie & I sat in front of Karl St. ,for at least 10 minutes, Christmas Evening. Just us in the car remembering all the good times we had there which your family was a big part of. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you and the entire family. God Bless All.

Sister Lucie Leonard

December 26, 2009

To the family of John Code:
May God's Love and Peace fill the void in your hearts and may you recall many happy memories of John's life as you mourn his death. You are in my prayers,
Sister Lucie Leonard, O. Carm.

susie debarbieris

December 26, 2009

the code family sorry to hear about your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow

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