James Joseph Landry, Jr., 79, passed away on December 11, 2024. He was a devoted and loving grandfather, father, husband, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol Haynie Landry, daughter, Jessica Landry, granddaughter, Kenley Raine Stafford, his sister, Julity Landry Vitrano and sister-in-law, Lucy Haynie Mayhue and by many dear friends who have been so very supportive with love and prayers.
Jim was born on April 26, 1945 in Donaldsonville, LA but grew up in the heart of New Orleans. As a teen, Sonny (as he was known in New Orleans) spent his days running bets and money for a friend’s bookie father, delivering groceries on his bike, and making sausage links in the local butcher shop. What a way to make some extra money. He graduated high school from St. Aloysius (ain’t dere no more) and went on to be a Ragin’ Cajun at the University of Louisiana where he earned his business degree. His love for Louisiana and New Orleans was lifelong.
Jim later aimed high when he met and married his tall and beautiful wife, Carol. (Carol Haynie Landry) Together, they had one child (Jessica) and recently celebrated 53 years of marriage on November 20th.
After retirement, Jim found joy in cooking. His family may have tried some weird meals but overall, his food was delicious and made with love, determination, and plenty of seasoning! He really loved to entertain and cook for others and always wanted to have people over so he could share the meals of his childhood: red beans and rice, gumbo, fried pork chops, dirty rice, and potato salad. He got his birthday buddy in the kitchen early and taught them proper knife skills and kitchen safety. Sonny also had a strong dislike for the empty egg shells his daughter always left in the carton. Some things you just can’t fix.
Sonny had a lifelong passion for music – specifically the 1950s and New Orleans music. He loved going to the free concerts and festivals in the CBD and French Quarter to hear his favorites and to find new artists to listen to. The internet and Alexa were two of his favorite things because he could sit on his porch in the mountains and listen to his “Porch Playlist” of Irma Thomas, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Ernie K-Doe, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Benny Grunch and the Bunch, and more. He could talk to you for hours about these artists and more.
Most importantly, Jim/Sonny was a devoted father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his birthday buddy (Kenley Raine), sharing stories, puns and Dad jokes, playing Taco/Cat/Goat/Cheese/Pizza and Cards Against Humanity (family edition, obviously), and watching both Jessica and Kenley excel in their passions. Mostly, he was a dad and grandfather who always showed up. He not only showed up to his grandchild’s choir concerts and plays, he was present to see the performances that Jessica directed – even though his child was the teacher and she wasn’t on stage. He was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges they faced. Pops/Dad/Pa-Pa – you are already so loved and missed.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Lil Landry, his two nephews, Jay and Brent Vitrano, and his first granddaughter, Cecelia Anne.
A private memorial will be planned at a later date. James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Heartford House, Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301, with the direction to be focused on patient and family care.