John James Capdevielle

John James Capdevielle, 96, a native and longtime resident of Baton Rouge passed away June 17, 2017, peacefully at home surrounded by his children. Graduate of Louisiana State University class of 1942, ROTC and a veteran US Army Infantry, he served in the Army Air Corps as an observer, flying over enemy lines in Europe during WWII as part of the Rolling 89th Division. John was the Director of Housing at LSU for 35 years adding numerous buildings to the housing inventory during his tenure. He was affiliated with the Baton Rouge American Legion Nicholson Post #38 where he served as Commander. He was an Associate Director of the American Legion Boys and Girls State programs during the 1950's and 60's fostering selected high school students knowledge of state government. He was an Eagle Scout while attending University High School and participated at the 1937 World Jamboree in the Netherlands and the 1937 National Jamboree in Washington, D.C . John was recently acknowledged for his many years of membership and service to the Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Theta Xi social fraternity with an LSU scholarship presented in his name to outstanding students. He received the Order of the Azure Star at his 75th year of membership in the fraternity. John maintained an ongoing relationship with several LSU social and educational organizations. Recognized for his "conspicuous attainment and service in collegiate activities" he was inducted in ODK. He was the recipient of the Hall of Honor from the Cadets of the Ole War Skule in 1998. His lifelong passion of aircraft and flying allowed for his participation as member of the EBR Parish Airport Commission. In retirement, he created several groups of other LSU retirees who often met for coffee or on Saturday mornings to reminisce, tell stories, and solve the problems of the world, especially those involving LSU sports. He served on the LSU War Memorial Commission to recognize all alumni who died in the military and was instrumental in the establishment of the WWII Museum in the LSU Campanile which will open in 2019. Another group would meet quarterly for dinners and he was part of an active exercise group at the Paula Manship YMCA on Perkins Road. John volunteered for 23 years at the LSU Alumni Lod Cook Center where he was considered the reference archivist of recent LSU history knowing the locations of many of the former buildings that were removed for the ever expanding campus. He was exceptionally proud of the presentation of a university chair at the time of his volunteer retirement on his 95th birthday. He is survived by: his children: Jan Capdevielle Gravolet, of New Orleans; Judy Capdevielle Girod and her partner Robert Rich, of Warwick, NY; and John J. (Ike) Capdevielle II and wife Pati Bahlinger Capdevielle; grandchildren: Seth Gravolet and wife Berenice Gradilla Gravolet of New Orleans; Kelly Gravolet Young and husband Patrick Young, of New Orleans; Trey Capdevielle (John J. III); Alyce Capdevielle Blackstone and husband ChrisBlackstone; Jacob Capdevielle and wife Ashley Rodriquez Capdevielle; Thomas Michael "Mic" Capdevielle and wife Jaclyn Stine Capdevielle, all of Baton Rouge; great-grandchildren: Aiden and Leif Young; Olivia, Lily and Lola Gravolet; Cole, Hensley, and Pierce Blackstone; Carsyn, Hayes, and Lily Capdevielle and Brynn Brackin; and Cruz Michael and Piper Mae Capdevielle. Also survived by: a sister, Mattye Capdevielle Terrell of Luling, LA; and a nephew Dr. W. Lee Terrell and wife Suzanne Haik Terrell of New Orleans. He is preceded in death by: his parents, Alfred Bertrand and Mada Perkins Capdevielle; his wife, Lily Marie McKnight Capdevielle; recent companion, Violet Eversull with whom he "tied the knot"; infant twin daughters, Lillie Jeanne and Margaret Frances Capdevielle; grand-daughter, Kristin Elizabeth Capdevielle; and great-grandson Neil Euston Young. Known to his grand children and great-grandchildren as "Big Daddy" and to many close family friends as "Uncle John", there are many special "relatives" he was proud to call family. In recent years, Kingston Eversull and his wife Susan were adopted family, along with the Jones' boys and Claire. Longtime housekeeper of 45 years, Rose Jarreau is another of the respected caregivers considered extended family. Visitation will be held Monday evening, June 19 from 5 to 7 PM at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street . There will be a visitation Tuesday, June 20, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Road, from 9 AM until the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, with Fr. Trey Nelson and Fr. Greg Daigle, co-celebrants. Private interment will follow. The family wishes to express special thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge and home aides Lou and Veronica who were with him in his last days. Memorial donations can be made to either the John J. Capdevielle scholarship or the John J. Capdevielle Theta Xi Scholarship at the LSU Alumni Association, 3838 West Lakeshore Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70808, or to a charitable organization of your choice.