Carroll James Dufrene

Carroll James Dufrene, Jr., known to most as C.J., passed away peacefully at his home on December 18, 2025. He was born on January 8, 1940, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and was the only child of the late Carroll and Lucille Dufrene.

C.J. was married for 55 years to the love of his life, Patricia Ann Kelley, until her passing in 2013. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and family, raising their two children, Michael and Kristi.

A graduate of Lake Charles High School, C.J. lived life with a sense of adventure early on, spending a brief time in the rodeo as a bronc rider. He was later drafted into the United States Army, serving his country honorably at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After returning home, he became a skilled welder and pipe fitter, working on major industrial projects across the country, including the construction of missile silos in the Dakotas and Arizona. He retired from Olin in 1996, following 25 years of dedicated service.

Retirement allowed C.J. and Pat to enjoy one of their greatest joys, traveling together in their RV. They spent many happy days exploring, especially in Colorado, a place they both dearly loved, as well as trips to Florida. At home, C.J. found joy in caring for exotic birds, including parrots, finches, love birds, and doves. In his younger years, he also raised and showed bloodhounds with the AKC, an endeavor he took great pride in.

Above all else, C.J. loved the water. Fishing was his favorite pastime, whether bass fishing on the Calcasieu River or chasing speckled trout and redfish in Prien Lake and Big Lake. Those quiet hours on the water brought him peace and contentment.

He is survived by his daughter, Kristie Sonnier (Bradley); his son, Michael Dufrene (Christie); three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

C.J. will be laid to rest in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Heart of Hospice for their exceptional care, as well as to Ann Howard, whose kindness and dedication meant so much over the past eight months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana, 1225 2nd Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601, or online at https://catholiccharitiesswla.com/donate.