James "Bucky" Matte

James “Bucky” Matte, 65, of Lake Charles passed away on January 1, 2019 in a Jennings nursing facility.

Mr. Matte was born on August 30, 1953 in Rayne, LA and was a graduate of Iowa High School. His career selling insurance with Mutual of Omaha allowed him and his family to move to several different cities and states before settling in Lake Charles. His passion in life was training race horses and watching them race.

He will be remembered as a man of many words who never met a stranger and who enjoyed making people laugh. Mr. Matte had a huge heart and adored his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are sons, Stewart Ryan Matte (Holly) and Steven Ray Matte (Ashley) all of Moss Bluff; daughters, Stacy Reneé Trahan of Lake Charles and Stephanie RaeAnn Powell of Westlake; brothers, Raymond Matte of Baton Rouge, Blane Matte of Church Point, and Robert Kim Matte of Lake Charles; sister, Leanna Faye Aul (Robert) of Broken Arrow, OK; thirteen grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecile and Joseph Matte and a brother, Steve Allen Matte.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 5, 2019 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Deacon Patrick Hebert will officiate. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will begin on Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the start of the service.