James Hubert Dufrene

James H. Dufrene, Sr. entered his Heavenly life Saturday, November 19, 2016.  He was born September 2, 1922 in Lake Charles.  He was the son of R.L. “Rock” and Effie Dufrene.

He grew up in Lake Charles and attended Catholic schools.  He attended McNeese briefly until he joined the Army.  Just before going off to defend our country fighting in Europe during World War II, he married Lilly Mae Nelson.  They were married for 49 years before her death in 1991.

Dad returned from war and went to work for Shell Oil Co.  After moving around the state, he and Mom decided it was time to return home to Lake Charles.  He owned Dufrene’s Hardware for a few years.  Then he served as office manager for several companies before retiring from Mid-South Insurance.  In his retirement years, he became an avid golfer and hunter.  He played golf daily, often shooting his age, until his mid 80’s.  He made a “hole in one” four times. He loved hunting dove and deer and was still hunting at age 92.  He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church and former Knight of Columbus.

Dad is survived by his son, James Dufrene, Jr. and wife Carol; daughters, Jane Dufrene and Julie Dufrene Smith and husband Gary; grandchildren, Jamie Smith, Steven Dufrene (Jody), Kevin Dufrene (Amy), and Cary Smith Mitchell (Michael); great grandchildren, Kaylyn Mitchell, Nathan Mitchell, Reese Dufrene, Cameron Dufrene, and Josie Smith; and one  great-great grandchild, Layla Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and all of his siblings, Ralph, Carroll, Clyde, Eddie, Tommy, Billy, and Gladys; and a grandson, Patrick Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 21, 2016 in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.  The Reverend Alan Trouille will officiate.  Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation Monday will be from 10:00 AM until leaving for the church at 1:45 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Louis High School or Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School.  The family of Mr. Dufrene would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of Villa Maria for their loving care and friendship over the last 6 years.