James "Jim" R. Réaux

Parks - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Parks, honoring the life of James "Jim" R. Réaux, 85, who passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at his residence.

A visitation will take place at the funeral home in St. Martinville on Thursday, January 9th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and will continue on Friday from 8:00 am to 9:30 am.

A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Thursday, by Jarred Degeyter.

Fr. Nicholas Dupre will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Jarred and Lyndsay Degeyter. Gift bearers will be Jacob, Victoria, Ivy Rose, and Anthony Degeyter.

Burial will follow on Saturday, January 11th, at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Frydek, Texas.

Born on August 11, 1939, Jim was called “Joy Boy” by his siblings as a youngster. He was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps, a testament to his character and commitment to service. He was an inventor and a self-taught engineer with an ingenious mind, renowned for his inventive spirit in creating safety tools that made a mark in the oil and gas industry. This career allowed him to travel the world, which he enjoyed immensely. Jim was deeply rooted in his faith and actively involved with St. Bernard Catholic Church and St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church. His devotion was evident through his service as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, where he not only brought Christ to others but also shared his faith and uplifting spirit. Jim helped begin and participated in Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at St. Bernard’s and St. Martin de Tours. His generosity to the poor was a witness of the Gospel to others. He was also a long-time attendee of Manresa retreat house in Convent, LA where he made over 50 silent retreats throughout his life. A generous family man at heart, Jim loved spending time with his beloved wife, Katy, and enjoyed every moment with those he cherished. His playful nature and sense of humor shone brightly in his interactions, especially with children, as he delighted in playing practical jokes. To list his many memorable funny stories and pranks would be impossible! He brought joy with his laughter and often entertained at family gatherings with his fondness for singing Czech songs, a beautiful reflection of his wife’s heritage. Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and ingenuity. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, inventive brilliance, devotion to his family and the joy he brought to family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Katherine "Katy" Blaha Réaux; daughter, Candace Rose Réaux; daughter-in-law, Muriel (Caubet) Réaux; son-in-law, Dr. Curt M. (Beth) Degeyter; grandchildren, Jarred T. (Lyndsay) Degeyter, Jonathon R. George, Jacob P. (Victoria) Degeyter, Jill Katherine (Silas) Barras, Joseph Robert James George “Joe Bob Jim George”, Jaden E. Degeyter, Kyle C. Réaux, and Liam C. Réaux; great grandchildren, Scarlett Faith Degeyter, Charles Emile Barras, Lylah Jane Degeyter, Ivy Rose Degeyter, Anthony Jacob Degeyter, James Damian Degeyter, Martha Anne Barras, Myles Felix Barras and two on the way; and his godchildren, Lambert and Lisa Blaha, Bryan Martin, Ryan Cernoch, Shawn Catron, Johanna Munsterman, David Bement, Joy Laperouse, Daryl Lynn Johnson, Mark Broussard, and Jeremy Munsterman.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Norbert Réaux, Jr. and Rose Arnaud Réaux; daughter, Jaime Darice Réaux Degeyter; son, Derek Kyle Réaux; sisters, Jeanette Speyrer, Lucille Broussard, Myra Lou Wilson, Rose Julie Bement, Sylvia Ledet, Pauline Brupbacher, and Kathleen Réaux; brother, Charles Réaux; and great-grandchildren, Angelica Grace Degeyter, Isaiah Paul Degeyter, and Gemma Hope Degeyter.

Pallbearers will be Candace Rose Réaux, Dr. Curt M. Degeyter, Jarred T. Degeyter, Jonathon R. George, Jacob P. Degeyter, and Joseph Robert James George.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the many family members and friends, Right at Home in Healthcare & Assistance, and his caregivers, Marie Jenkins and Emily Delpapa, for their assistance and compassionate care given to him during his time of need.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial donations may be made to Manresa House of Retreats, 5858 LA-44, Convent, LA 70723 @ manresala.org.

Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.