James Colen "Jim" Way

James “Jim” Colen Way of Lake Charles, LA, died peacefully at his home, Tuesday, October 31, 2017. He was 75.

Mr. Way is survived by his wife of 52 years, Martha Sue Way (nee Oliver), of Lake Charles, LA; two sons, David Oliver Way (Missy) of Lafayette, and Kevin Paul Way (Aleece) of Alexandria; four grandchildren, James Anthony Way, Connor James Way, Anna Katherine Way and Olivia Marie Way; six siblings, Mildred Vige (George) of Gonzales, LA, Eldie Jo Stafford (Odus) of Hammond, Sue Ellen Evans (Rodney) of Bee Branch, AR, Lillian Faye Goralski (Kenneth) of Van Buren Township, MI, Janice Way of Breaux Bridge, LA, Nathan Way(Gail) of Vidalia, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by two brothers in law William “Bill” Achel Oliver (Carolyn) of Old Hickory, TN and Kenny Layne Oliver (Cindy) of Lafayette, LA.

Mr. Way is preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Rubye Way of Port Barre, LA, and two siblings, Jesse Rae Vincent and James “Sonny Man” Franklin Way, both of Port Vincent, LA.    

Born September 22, 1942, in Oxford, MS, and raised in Port Barre, Mr. Way was a 1960 graduate of Port Barre High School where he was a member of Future Farmers of America and the varsity football team. He served in the United States Air Force from 1960-64, where he was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. He graduated from McNeese State University with a B.S. in Forestry in 1970, which he utilized as a forester for Powell Lumber Company.

Mr. Way was a former member of Sale Street Baptist Church of Lake Charles, where he taught Sunday School and worked with the youth. During the 80’s, Jim spent most Thursday nights singing as a member of the Buccaneer Barbershop Chorus and was active in the Boy Scouts of America, as a proud father of two Eagle scouts. At the time of his death, he was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Lake Charles. He also enjoyed spending his time singing with the Pine Grove Gospel Singers at Pine Grove Baptist Church in DeQuincy.

Pallbearers honored to serve are: Darrell Bossley, Eddie Brawner, Clif Montgomery, Michael Oliver, Austin Oliver, Brandon Reeves, Andrew Stafford and Brian Vige.

Visitation is Thursday, November 2, 2017, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 3, 2017, with visitation preceding the service starting at 9:00 AM. Rev. Steve James will officiate with burial following at Prien Memorial Gardens Cemetery.