James Lee Pierce
James Lee Pierce passed peacefully at his home in Ruston on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the age of 97.
He was born April 20, 1924 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. James served in World War II and the Korean War. He retired after 28 years in the military with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer II serving in the United States Army.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Janis Elaine Scogin Pierce of Shreveport.
They had no children but adopted everyone they ever met. James and Janis were married at Trinity United Methodist Church in June of 1952 and were devoted members for over 47 years. He loved the Methodist Children’s Home and Louisiana Tech University where he graduated; and later obtained a MS from Northeast Louisiana University.
James and Janis traveled extensively during their tour in the military. They had many fond memories of visiting numerous countries while on tours of duty. James spent his boyhood assisting his mother and stepfather on a rice farm in Bayou Meto, Arkansas. He never met anyone he did not like and was kind to all.
After the death of his wife, Janis, the love of his life, he permitted Annette and Johnny Maxwell and Donna and Steve Smith to help care for him. He loved his numerous next of kin.
He is survived by his niece, Lynn Short of Little Rock, Arkansas; cousin, Anne Norris Wright of West Monroe, and her lovely family, Sara Wright Holley and husband Travis, sons, Heath and Barlow Holley of Monroe; Lavonne Kennedy Goodeaux and husband Dennis, daughters, Morgan Taylor Ken nedy and Emily Kennedy Webb of Monroe; Carla Wright Steele, husband Jimmy of Monroe; and Cousie Giglio, wife Susan, daughters Heather Giglio McCauley and Ashley Giglio of Indianola, Mississippi.
Much gratitude goes to Thelma Dyas for her loving and devoted care of James for over four years. Friends and family of James Pierce also wish to thank Robert Fields and Serenity Care Providers for their caregiving. Services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the Burkhalter Chapel at Trinity United Methodist Church.
Rev. Doug DeGraffenried and Rev. Rolly Walker will officiate with burial to follow at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service, Saturday at the church.
Memorials may be made to Louisiana Tech University, the Methodist Children’s Home or to Trinity United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
