God saw the road was getting rough, the hills were getting harder to climb. He gently closed those loving eyes and whispered, “Peace be thine”.

James Clovis Joseph, 97, of Lake Charles, La., passed away on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. 

James Joseph was born to the union of the late Valery and Aurelia Randolph Joseph in Opelousas, La. He was united in marriage to the late Bonnie Chavis Joseph and from this union came four daughters and two sons. 

James became an active and faithful member of St. Martin De Porres chapel in 1957. He served as an altar server at a young age, and because he was well versed in Latin, he trained other altar servers. During his time of service to Saint Martin De Porres Parish, he was one of the first Eucharistic Ministers, elected Head Usher in 1988, member of the Knights of Peter Claver, building committee and various other committees. 

James had a strong work ethic, and was reliable, dependable, and trustworthy. He was always willing to serve. James Honorably and dutifully served our nation in the United States Army during World War II and was employed at the Lake Charles Country Club and McNeese State University for many years. 

Cherishing his memories, life and legacy are his daughters, Barbara Lett (Bob), Sheryal Swint (Tom) and Carolyn Holden (Ken); son, James Murray (Ida). He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Crystal, Dayna, Kyla, Barry, Morris, Lindsey, and Ariel; eleven great-grandchildren, Taylor, Cesar, Anyssa, James, Jaron, Kennedy, Khalil, Jaylin, Jayla, Dominick and Greyson, and two great great-grandchildren, Destiny and Trillion.

James’s love will always remain with his siblings, Eva Romar, Bernard Joseph (Loretta) and Hayward Joseph; sister-in-law, Lorena Arceneaux and brother-in-law, Ollie Chavis (Dorothy). 

Preceding James in death are his beloved wife, Bonnie; daughter, Susan Lynn, and son, Don Murphy Joseph.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 25, 2023, at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, Lake Charles, La. Msgr. Jace Eskind will serve as Celebrant. Visitation will be on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 12:30 p.m.

Those honored to actively serve as his pallbearers are James Joseph, Barry Joseph, Jaron Joseph, Morris Godfrey, Khalil Leggett, and Jalen Morales. Honorary pallbearers will be Bernard Joseph, Hayward Joseph, Ollie Chavis, Leon Chavis, Robert Lett, Thomas Swint, Kenneth Holden, and Nicholas Morales.

Our family is a circle of strength and love. However, in times like these it is comforting to know that God has visited us through you. Without your prayers, support and encouragement, this loss would have been more difficult to bear. We, the family, express our sincere appreciation and gratitude during our time of bereavement. We ask that God continue to bless each of you. 

The family extends an invitation to fellowship after the completion of services at The Chandelier Room, 3365 E. Prien Lake Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70607.