James Allen LaBiche

Lydia – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Lydia for James Allen LaBiche, 81, who passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023 in Lafayette.

Rev. Randy Courville will be the Celebrant. Reading of the sacred scripture will be delivered by Mya LaBiche and Madeleine Bouillion.

Entombment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery in New Iberia, with military honors by the Iberia Veteran's Honor Guard.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia on Friday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and will continue on Saturday from 8:00 am until 9:15 am.

A rosary, led by the Men’s Rosary Group, will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Friday.

James was born in New Iberia, Louisiana on July 8, 1942, and proudly served our country in the Louisiana Army National Guard for six years. He was  a member of the Lydia American Legion Post #365, where he cherished the camaraderie and bonds formed with fellow veterans.

James's career was centered around his work in the sugar cane industry. He dedicated himself to his role as a Fabrication Supervisor, contributing his skills and expertise to J & L Hot Iron, where he retired after 45 years of service. During his time there, he provided invaluable services to sugar mills, both within and outside of the country. His dedication and hard work were admired by his colleagues and friends.

James had various interests and hobbies that brought him joy throughout his life. He had a green thumb and loved spending time nurturing his vegetable garden. Nature called to him in the form of fishing trips and rounds of golf that he thoroughly enjoyed. Playing cards was another favorite pastime for James. He also possessed an exceptional talent for boat building, and could fix or build anything - an impressive testament to his versatility as a jack of all trades.

James was an avid  LSU baseball and football fan. In earlier years when his children were young, he played an influential role in the Lydia Little League as a baseball coach. He cherished these memories dearly as they involved sharing moments with both his own children and others from the community who shared his passion for sports.

James is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Shirley Bouillion LaBiche; children, Brent Allen LaBiche (Hanna), Ryan LaBiche, and Jennifer Lea LaBiche; grandchildren, Alec LaBiche (Samantha), Mya LaBiche (fiancé Noah), Harrison LaBiche, McKinzey LaBiche, and Savanna LaBiche; a great-granddaughter; Amelia LaBiche; siblings, Dolly Guidry, Mildred Adams (Malcolm) and Richard LaBiche (Dynell); and sisters-in-law, Donna and Rita LaBiche.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton LaBiche, Sr. and Annie Lee Judice LaBiche; brother, Chris LaBiche; half-brother, Billy LaBiche; and a brother-in-law, Andrew Guidry.

Serving as pallbearers are Alec LaBiche, Harrison LaBiche, Bret Adams, Barry Bouillion, Jr., Barry Bouillion, Sr., and Elliott Bouillion, Sr.

Honorary pallbearers are Toine and Ben Bouillion.

James Allen LaBiche's kind heart, warm smile, and generous spirit touched the lives of many. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him as they reflect on the beautiful moments spent alongside him.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).