James Cole “Big Jim” Broyles
A memorial gathering for James Cole Broyles, age 58 of Ruston, will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Lincoln Parish Park Pavilion L-5.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church at a date to be determined. Internment will be in Saltillo, Mexico at a date to be determined.
James Cole “Big Jim” Broyles was a resident of Ruston, Louisiana for thirty-five years. He entered into eternal rest on Sunday, December 27, 2020, with his loving wife by his side.
Big Jim was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas and studied Spanish at Louisiana Tech University. He served as an IT professional for several local businesses and was a translator for local courts and health care providers.
Jim was a devout parishioner of St. Thomas Catholic Church, a devoted advocate for the local Hispanic community, and a cherished friend to many. He loved people, loved to travel and was bigger than life. Jim was intellectually curious, blessed with an exceptional memory and knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects.
Before settling in as an IT professional, he worked a vast array of jobs, including carpenter, mechanic, paralegal and deputy sheriff.
He always said, “Beware of all enterprises requiring new clothes,” a quote from Henry David Thoreau. He was generous to a fault, not only with his money but with his time and talents as well. If Big Jim was your friend, you had a friend indeed.
Jim was preceded in death by father: Walter Broyles; adopted mother: Leticia Gonzalez de Rico.
Jim is survived by his wife of sixteen years: Maria Soledad Andrade Broyles; daughter: Ashley Ellen Broyles; sister: Holly Hollingsworth; mother: Clara Broyles; numerous Andrade brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews.
He is also survived by members of his adopted family from Saltillo, Mexico, father: Don Luis Rico Samaniego; brothers: Rafael Rico, Luis Rico Jr.; sister: Leticia Rico.
In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to St. Thomas Catholic Church or to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
