Jude Wayne Theriot

Jude W. Theriot

Jude Wayne Theriot, CCP, Ed.S., M.Ed., 78, of Lake Charles passed away Monday, May 11, 2026 in the comfort of his home.

Mr. Theriot was a native and lifelong resident of Lake Charles. He was a graduate of Landry High School and continued his education at McNeese State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Social Studies Education, a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling and an Educational Specialist degree. He also held certification in Administration and Supervision.

His career included numerous leadership roles including, Teacher at St. Charles Academy, Counselor at St.Louis High School, Assistant Principal of Bell City High School, Principal of Rosteet Junior High School, Principal of Moss Bluff Middle School, Assistant Superintendent of Middle Schools and Superintendent of Calcasieu Parish School System. He was instrumental in founding and advancing the concepts of Middle Schools, after-school care programs, and Partners in Education initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on students, families, and communities throughout the region. Widely respected for his expertise in educational leadership and reform, he served as Chairman of the Louisiana Testing Security Committee, Vice-Chair of the Louisiana Testing Commission, and participated on the Governor’s Commission for High School Redesign, the Louisiana State Superintendent’s Advisory Commission, and the Education Task Force for Student Violence and Safety. Nationally, he served as President of the Urban Superintendents Association of America.

Mr. Theriot’s commitment to service extended beyond education into the Southwest Louisiana community where he proudly served as Chairman of United Way of Southwest Louisiana Campaign in 2000. A gifted speaker and presenter, he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with organizations and conferences throughout the country, including presentations for the American Association of Rural Superintendents Conference, Illinois State Administrators School Superintendents, United School Administrators of Kansas Conference, Region I Texas Superintendent’s Association, and the Texas Association of School Superintendents.

His professional memberships included the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Urban School Superintendents Association of America (USAA) where he served as President, National Middle School Association (NMSA), Louisiana Middle School Association (LMSA), where he served as President, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) of which he was awarded the Louisiana Superintendent of the Year Award.

In addition to his educational accomplishments, Mr. Theriot was also widely known for celebrating and preserving Louisiana culture through his culinary talents and published works. Chef Jude was a Certified Culinary Professional, a distinguished credential founded by his friend and honorary co-chairman, Julia Child, of the Foundation, the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). His CCP was earned only through an intensive three-day examination process. Demonstrating his exceptional culinary knowledge and skill, he successfully passed the certification on his first attempt and was among only approximately 100 individuals in the world to hold the designation at that time. In later years, he proudly attained Emeritus status in recognition of his continued contributions to the culinary profession. As an author, he shared his love of Cajun cuisine through several successful books including, La Meilleure de la Louisiane (1980), La Cuisine Cajun (1986), New American Light Cuisine (1988), Cajun Quick (1992), Cajun Healthy (1994), Cajun Low Carb (2005) and THE 100 Greatest Cajun Recipes (2006). His warmth, humor, and passion for Louisiana heritage were evident. Chef Jude traveled extensively throughout the country promoting his books, distinctive cuisine, and the unique heritage of Louisiana culture. In recognition of his dedication and contributions to tourism and cultural promotion, he was honored with the prestigious Partner in Tourism Award, a testament to the lasting impact he made as both a chef and an advocate for Southwest Louisiana and Louisiana Culture. He was also recognized nationally as a featured chef in Vintage Magazine, featuring his story and many of his dishes and photographs and U.S. News & World Report, showcasing the difference of Cajun and Creole cuisine, his dishes and photographs to further highlight his culinary expertise and dedication to sharing the flavors and traditions of Louisiana.

Deeply committed to serving his community, Chef Jude generously shared his talents by hosting numerous cooking classes, presenting a regular cooking segment at 6:25 AM during the morning broadcast on KPLC, and serving as a dedicated member of the Community Board at St. Patrick’s Hospital.

Outside of his career in education, he was an avid gardener, having cultivated a flourishing herb garden and took pride in processing his own herbs to create his signature culinary dishes. He was also a dedicated rosarian whose remarkable garden once featured more than 100 rose bushes, each thriving under his care. He cherished traveling and often blended professional engagements with family adventures, creating meaningful vacations and lasting memories. He had a deep appreciation for fine dining, the theater, Broadway productions, and the opera, embracing every opportunity to enjoy the arts and culture. Known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, he delighted in making others laugh and brought warmth and joy to those around him.

His faith was his foundation. Mr. Theriot was a devout Catholic and former member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a longtime member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. He was a devoted ACTS brother who treasured the spiritual friendships and fellowship formed through the ministry. He also faithfully served as both a Lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Mr. Theriot will be remembered as a respected educator, administrator, accomplished author, community leader in Southwest Louisiana and ambassador of Louisiana culture. His influence extended throughout the state and across the nation.

He is survived by his wife of fifty three years, Deborah LeBlanc Theriot; two daughters, Nicole Marie Keith and Christine Noelie Theriot (Nicole Torrefranca); one brother, Dan Theriot (Betty), three sisters, Lannette Daly, Yolande Lemoine (David) and Michelle Theriot; three grandchildren, Gabe Keith (Mia), Ella Keith and Lizette Keith as well as many dear friends throughout SWLA, Louisiana and the Nation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Lawrence Theriot and Mary Louise Borel Theriot; two brothers, Fred L. Theriot, Jr. and Guy G. Theriot and brother-in-law, Tommy Daly.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 9:00 AM Friday, May 15, 2026 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Monsignor Daniel Torres will officiate. Interment will follow at Consolata Cemetery. Visitation Thursday will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary service beginning at 6:00 PM. A reception will follow the Interment service at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Life Center, where family and friends are invited to gather in fellowship and remembrance.

Pallbearers for his service will be Dan Theriot, Paul Zimmerman, Walter Melton, Vic Darbonne, Richard Vail, Leo Miller, Joe Howard and Tim Washington.

The family of Mr. Theriot wishes to express their deepest and most heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of prayers, concern, and support extended throughout his illness. Your kindness, encouragement, and presence brought immeasurable comfort and served as a source of strength when it was needed most.

Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 617 West Claude Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605 or Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073.