Former state representative and Jeff Davis Parish police juror John E. “Johnny” Guinn died on Monday. He was 71.

A lifelong resident of Jennings, Guinn served Jeff Davis and Calcasieu parishes in the Louisiana House of Representatives for 12 years. He also served as a police juror for District 5 in Jeff Davis Parish from 1999-2007.

Former state legislator Dan “Blade” Morrish, who preceded Guinn as state representative and served 12 years in the Louisiana Legislature with him, said he had known Guinn and his family since growing up together in Jennings.

“Johnny had the biggest heart you’ve ever seen,” Morrish said. “He  loved people, especially the people he represented.”

Guinn was very concerned about his constituents and his district rather than what was going on in Baton Rouge, he said.

“He was there to serve the people who elected him,” Morrish said. “He was a wonderful servant of the people because he cared about them and wanted to serve the people who elected him and to do right.”

District 37 State Rep. Troy Romero, who followed Guinn’s path to the state Legislature, said Southwest Louisiana has lost a good guy, who was a great public servant, family man and all around good guy.

“His best quality was that he was a good Christian man and a good family man,” Romero said. “We lost a good guy. Unfortunately those things happen, but we have to believe he is in a better place.”

Former district attorney Michael Cassidy said Guinn loved serving the people in his district both as a police juror and state legislator.

“He showed an interest in everyone and made them feel important,” Cassidy said. “He enjoyed serving others, and never missed an opportunity to mingle with others. We will miss his kind and friendly nature.”

In addition to serving his parish and state, Guinn was a local auctioneer and served as past chairman of the Louisiana Auctioneers Licensing Board. He was also an appraiser and marketing consultant for lending institutions and contractors in heavy construction industries.

During his time as an elected official, Guinn served on several boards including the Southwest Louisiana Partnership for Economic Development, Jennings Airport Board of Commissioners and the Jeff Davis Parish Council on Aging. He also served on several House committees including agriculture, transportation and natural resources.