Jesse James Gary

May 11, 1934 - March 17, 2022

With heavy hearts, the family of Jesse J. Gary, age 87, announces his passing and entrance into his eternal home on March 17, 2022. He passed peacefully at his home following a 3 month illness. Visiting hours will be observed at Martin and Castille, 600 E Farrel Rd, Lafayette, LA on Sunday, March 20, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 PM. A Rosary will be recited by the KC Council 8901, Msgr. Ferdinand Gouaux 4th Degree, and A.C.T.S. at 6:00 PM at the funeral home. James and Kristyn Opdenhoff and Tavin Boutte’ will provide musical selections. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday, March 21st from 8 AM until time of service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on March 21, 2022 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 600 Kaliste Saloom Rd, Lafayette, LA. Reverend Steve LeBlanc, former Pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church, will be the celebrant of the funeral mass. Con-celebrant will be Reverend James Brady, Pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Interment will follow 12-1 PM visitation at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery, 5505 Pine Island Highway, Jennings, LA 70546. Fr. William (Bill) Miller, Pastor of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Hathaway will conduct the burial services assisted by Deacon Mike Tramel. During Jesse’s brief illness, he kept reiterating, “I’ve lived a good life.” He loved and lived his Catholic faith, was a devoted family man, and served his community wearing many hats - a country jockey, an artist, a farmer, a carver, a chef, a fisherman, and a hunter. Born on May 11, 1934, Jesse was raised in the Hathaway/Jennings, LA area as a country boy. How he loved to ride a John Deere tractor on the farm! A graduate of Hathaway High School in 1953, Jesse received the American Legion Award. He often commented how thankful he was that his high school principal drove him to the college he would attend - Southwestern Louisiana Institute, SLI (now the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, ULL) and helped him register. Jesse earned a BA degree in Commercial Art in 1958. While attending SLI, he was on the Track Team and was a participant in the Camellia Pageant. He attended daily mass at Our Lady of Wisdom Church with his college sweetheart, Dalta L. LeBlanc. Both were members of the Newman Club at SLI. Jesse earned a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, USL, in 1976. He was employed with Social Services in the State of Louisiana for 38 years, working in Ville Platte, LA and later in Lafayette, LA serving as Regional Supervisor for the Blind Services. During his tenure in Ville Platte, he was recognized as the Civic “Man of the Year” in 1967. He was instrumental in establishing the Ville Platte Jaycee organization - holding offices on the local and state levels. He garnered many awards as an outstanding Jaycee such as Ville Platte Jaycee of the Year. Throughout his life, he lived the Jaycee creed - “That service to humanity is the best work of life.” Jesse’s life was centered around his beautiful family, church and community. He was a devout Catholic - a man of prayer and faith. He was actively involved in Knights of Columbus, serving as Charter Grand Knight of Council 8901 and Charter Member of Msgr. Ferdinand Gouaux 4th Degree Council, later serving as Navigator. He felt honored to be presented the KC Lifetime Achievement Award. Jesse leaves a legacy of catholic servitude. He was always an example of the principles of what the Knights of Columbus represented. As a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church he served on the Parish Council and on the Diocesan Pastoral Council as Past Chairperson. He was an Extraordinary Communion Minister for church, nursing home & homebound, Parish Council Member, CCD teacher, and building committee member feeling proud of the recently built beautiful St. Pius X Church. Jesse actively participated in the A.C.T.S. retreat and subsequently Teamed. He enjoyed preparing the annual Pascal meal for the Church Community for many years. Jesse was known as one of “the old timers” of his faith community. He also served as Retreat Co-Captain for Grand Coteau Men's Retreat, as Ville Platte Jaycee President, Louisiana Jaycee Vice President, and served on numerous local and state committees. Other honors Jesse received include Ville Platte Jaycee of the Year, Knights of Columbus Family of the Year Council #8901, and 2013 Knight of the Year. He felt honored to be presented the KC Lifetime Achievement Award. He belonged to R.O.T.C. at SLI and later became a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. Jesse was honorably discharged. Jesse enjoyed painting with oils, wood carving, playing the harmonica and Cajun dancing. He was a great storyteller and loved telling Boudreaux and Thibodeaux jokes. Jesse was famous for telling the same joke with five different versions…might even have had five different punch lines. He remained an enthusiastic Ragin Cajun fan and served on the 25th & 50th Reunion Committees. He enjoyed visiting with other ULL Alumni at tailgating events. Jesse is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dalta L. LeBlanc Gary; three daughters, Dawn Gary Gary (Ray), Deidre Gary Romero (Chris), Dina Gary Capritto (Patrick); three sons Jared Gary (Paige), Jon Gary (Kasey) and Jed Gary (Casy); daughter-in-law, Jessie S. Thompson; grandchildren Justin (fiancee Paige) Gary, Danae’ Mayer (Mike), Jake Gary, Jaret Gary (fiance Holter), Tai Hart (Jason), Christen Romero (Juliana), Nicholas Romero, Chase Boutte’ (Ashlie), Mariah Boutte’, Tavin Boutte’ (Mckenzie), Capritto grandchildren, Ashley North (Brook), Hunter Landry, Marielle Gary, Aliza Gary, Cassidy Gary and Jaci Gary; great grandchildren Lexie Stafford, Kingston Badeaux, Nathan Mayer, Cameron Boutte’, Harper Badeaux, Greer Hart, James Boutte’, Mackenzie Gary, Kate North, Cohen Hart, Jackson Mayer, Griffin North and Luke North; step-grandchild Delaney Mayer; special extended family Kade Batts, Lane Batts and Candice Melancon. Jesse was affectionately called “Grandy” by his grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Bobby (Bonnie) Gary and one sister, Wavell Marcsisak. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeremi Ron Gary and his parents, Adam and Inez Doucette Gary, brother Thomas J. Gary, and brother-in-law Terry Marcsisak. Lectors during the memorial mass will be granddaughter Tai Hart and Godchild Kay Gahn. Responsorial Psalms will be read by granddaughter Mariah Boutte’ and Godchild Mark Gary. Offertory gift bearers will be granddaughters Danae’ Gary, Marielle and Aliza Gary and Cassidy and Jaci Gary. Eucharsitic Minister will be Mark Gary. Pallbearers will be grandsons Justin Gary, Chase Boutte’, Nick Romero, Hunter Landry, Jake Gary, and Tavin Boutte’. Honorary pallbearers are Jaret Gary, Lynn Gary, KC Council 8901 & Msgr. Ferdinand Gouaux 4th Degree Council and A.C.T.S. Music will be provided by soloist Karen Melancon and the St. Pius X Choir, organist Kevin Martin and violinist Tommy Benoit. Selections include “You Are Mine”, “Praise to You” (Gospel Acclamation), “J’irai la Voir Un Jour”, “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant”, “In the Arms of God”, “Saints of God” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic”. Memorial donations may be made in honor of Jesse J. Gary to: St. Pius X Building Fund, PO Box 80489, Lafayette, LA 70598; Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503; LOPA, 68190 Hwy 190, Service Rd., Covington, LA 70433. The Gary family extends their thanks to Nurse Joeann, CNA Vivian, Social Worker Ann and staff of Hospice of Acadiana; Monique and Kenisha and staff of Acadiana Rehab; Caregiver Nicole; and the numerous family and friends that have prayed, provided meals and supported us during this journey. Personal condolences can be extended to the Gary family online at www.mourning.com He was a true role model, a family man, a Godly man, and a funny man. Well done my good and faithful servant. Martin & Castille-SOUTHSIDE-600 E. Farrel Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-984-2811