James Edward Arceneaux, Jr., 71, of St. Joseph, Louisiana, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Friday, July 26, 2024. James was a charismatic, fun-loving, family man with an unforgettable presence.Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 5-8 PM at Dennard First National Funeral Home in Winnsboro, Louisiana. His funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at St. Joseph Baptist Church with Reverend Thomas Patton and Reverend Troy J. Dennard officiating. Interment to follow in Legion Memorial Cemetery in Newellton, Louisiana. All under the direction of Dennard First National Funeral Home Winnsboro, LA.James was born to loving parents, Erma and James Arceneaux, Sr., on September 6, 1952, in Morgan City, Louisiana. As a longtime resident of Tensas Parish, James was raised on Marydale Plantation and Choctaw Bayou on Lake Bruin where he became an avid outdoorsman. As a youth, James began showing cattle, a love that was bestowed on future generations. Throughout his lifetime, James served in the Army National Guard, was a member of the Tensas Masonic Lodge #309, a member of the Northeast Louisiana Livestock Show Board, and an enthusiastic member and past President of the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association. James' faith was the most important part of his life; he was an active member of Maryland Baptist Church in St. Joseph.James was a first-generation farmer that took great pride in his cattle and row crops, particularly cotton. However, James' greatest pride and joy came from the life he built with his wife, Carolyn, on Sundown Road. James dedicated most of his time to his family whether in a livestock barn, on a ball field, in the woods, or around the farm. James did not miss a chance to brag about his children: Becca, Michael, and Emma as well as their spouses. When diagnosed with cancer, James' one wish was to have more grandchildren. As a man who self-proclaimed himself to never be a quitter, James fought hard to see a total of five more grandchildren born. They were truly his pride and joy, and his legacy will proudly be carried on for years to come as they remember their Papaw.To know James, or Big Daddy as he was commonly called, was to love him and his outgoing spirit. He never seemed to meet a stranger, but if he did they would soon be fast friends. From his first day until his last, James showed us how to live life to the fullest under any and all circumstances. His infectious laughter, smile and endless jokes, stories, and sayings will live on through the countless people that he has made his mark on throughout his lifetime.This season marked James' 51st year of farming. On his last day, he did what he loved most and rode around the farm with his son and two daughters looking at his crops and cattle before arriving home to a host of family and friends.James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Carolyn Smith Arceneaux, his parents Erma and James Arceneaux, Sr., and his father-in-law, Marvin Smith.He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his children: Becca Weeks (William) of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Michael Arceneaux (Lindsey) of St. Joseph, Louisiana, and Dr. Emma Lensing (Dr. Gabe) of Oxford, Mississippi; beloved grandchildren: Laney Weeks (12), Allie Weeks (10), James Lensing (3), Emmy Weeks (2), Claire Lensing (1), Connor Arceneaux (1), and Kate Lensing (1 month). Additional family mourning his loss include his brother, Billy Joe Arceneaux (Pat) of St. Joseph, Louisiana; sister, Denise Head (Daryl) of St. Joseph, Louisiana; mother-in-law, Anita Walker Smith of Waterproof, Louisiana; several nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and many friends, too numerous to list, that he treated like family.Pallbearers will be Vendal Farchild, Ricky Jones, David Lee, Jeff Lee, Mike Rogers, Jason Tiffee, Red Tiffee, and Scott Washam.Honorary Pallbearers are his brothers of the Masonic Lodge, the members of the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association, and his multitude of close friends and family members.Special thanks to the staff of Jackson Oncology Associates, Dr. Henegan, Dr. Herrington, Dr. Wilkinson, Dr. Hall, Dr. Ashley, and the many nurses and healthcare staff for their love and care throughout his years of fighting pancreatic cancer. Multiple staff members attest to the fact that the waiting rooms were always full of laughter when he was there. To bring joy to places like that speaks volumes to the man that he was.If you would like to make a donation in James' honor, please do so to the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association Scholarship Fund.Louisiana Cattleman's FoundationPost Office Box 4710Lake Charles, Louisiana 70606
Visitation

Dennard First National Funeral Home

St. Joseph Baptist Church