James Oswald White
James was born near Sikes, in the center of Winn Parish. His family was farmers and woodsman. His father, Ira J. White, had the reputation of being one of the best log rollers in the area. During the spring and summer the family canned vegetables and fruits to be used to feed the family in cold winter months. The entire family worked in the fields using a hand plow pulled by mules. There was no electricity so all the water had to be drawn by hand from an underground well. Milk cows furnished milk and butter and chickens were the chief source of meat.
James graduated from Sikes High School and shortly afterward volunteered for the Navy. He participated in several major battles in the Pacific Ocean. At the end of World War II his ship was on its way to Japan. After his discharge from the Navy he entered Northwestern State University to pursue a degree in vocational agriculture education. He met a young lady from central Louisiana and their friendship developed into a love affair. In December of 1947 they were married in Friendship Baptist Church in Sikes. James was a member of First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his sons, James Alan White and Carroll David White, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ira J. White.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sue White; son, Charles Calvin White of Moss Bluff; six daughters, Martha White of Moss Bluff, Debra Jones of Huntsville, Texas, Sandra Marshall of Lake Charles, Bonnie McDonald of Sulphur, Mary Ann Darbonne of Moss Bluff and Linda Kay Cline of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Susan Hightower Credeur, Dwayne Hightower, Christie Jones, Hayden Jones, Bryan White, Louisette Wing, Francelle McKlemurry, Benjamin and Tyler McDonald, Douglas Marshall, Chris and Lenny Darbonne, Philip, Tommy and Kenny Fontenot.
James passed away at 8:35 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, in his home surrounded by his family. His services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug 7, at First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff. Burial will be at Ritchie Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff.
Visitation will be 5-9 p.m. today at the church.
March 28, 1927 - Aug. 4, 2008