Karl J. Bigler, Jr.

New Iberia – A memorial service will be held on Tuesday April 1, 2025, at 11:00 am at Pellerin Funeral Home for Karl James “Jim” Bigler, Jr., 83, who passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Rev. Ed Degeyter will officiate. 

Private inurnment will be at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery in New Iberia. 

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, followed by a catered Celebration of Life event at Rip Van Winkle Gardens (Bayless Center) from 12:00 am until 3:00 pm.

A resident of New Iberia, Jim was born in Franklin, Louisiana on August 23, 1941, to the late Karl, Sr. and Willamette Aucoin Bigler. The family moved to New Iberia to pursue business opportunities in 1942.

After graduating from New Iberia High School, Jim graduated from Louisiana State University in 1963 where he was the Commander of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Jim was an avid LSU fan and attended numerous football, basketball, baseball, and track & field events over the years with his family and friends.

Jim married the love of his life, Leona “Lee” Ann Boudreaux Bigler on July 6, 1963, and had three sons (Karl III, Michael, and Christopher) together. Jim was a dedicated father and husband who dedicated his life to his family. He was an avid fisherman and golfer, and he enjoyed attending his children’s sporting activities and school events at Catholic High School. Jim shared his time and resources with the community, being a member of the Jaycees and was an enthusiastic supporter of Catholic High School.

Jim worked with his father, Karl Sr. “Pop,” at Big Mac Welding after graduation from LSU, and he eventually took over ownership of the company and ran it from the early 1970s through the early 1990s. Jim was a respected leader and businessperson, and he operated his business through oilfield “booms and busts” with integrity. He cared deeply about his work colleagues and workforce and believed in treating people fairly. Jim kept up with many clients, colleagues, and workforce members over the years. Jim also employed numerous high school and college students at this company over the years in order to teach them “how to work” and “become men” while earning money for school.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time doing yardwork, at the gym/pilates, and visiting with friends in his front yard at Shadows Bend.

After Lee became ill in the 1990s, Jim took on the role of selfless caregiver as her health declined over a twenty-year period.

Jim is survived by two sons, Michael D. Bigler (Devin) and Christopher R. Bigler (Amy); grandchildren, Hannah Hume (James), Sarrah Sonnier (to be wed to Michael Gaume), Noah Bigler (Rachel), Olivia Bigler (to be wed to Jack Wilson), Caroline Bigler, Molly Bigler, and Jack Bigler; a great-granddaughter, Eliza Hume; and a brother-in-law, Charles Prentice.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Lee; son, Karl James Bigler, III; and a sister, Babs Prentice.

The Bigler Family would like to thank Dr. James Falterman Jr., Hospice of Acadiana, and Home Instead for their exceptional support.

In lieu of flowers, the Bigler Family requests donations to Catholic High School, 1301 De La Salle Drive, New Iberia LA 70560, directed to the Bigler Family Scholarship.

Jim’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

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