James Conlon

Published 6:00 am Sunday, December 18, 2011

James Conlon passed away at his home on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

A resident of Baton Rouge for over 40 years, he was born at Shamrock House, Stabannon, County Louth, Ireland January 22, 1931. He was the second youngest of nine children raised by his mother at the family farm after his father died when he was 3.

He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Lea Hamilton Conlon; a son James Patrick Conlon; a brother Peter Conlon of Blackrock, Ireland; and many wonderful nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by special long time friends – the extended Nugent family of New Iberia and Rev. Floyd Calais of Lafayette. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Conlon; brothers Patrick Conlon, Thomas Conlon, Matt Conlon, Kevin Conlon and Richard Conlon; and two sisters Mae Conlon McGrane and Nancy Conlon. All of whom lived in Ireland.

Jim spent his early years living and working on the farm and participating in Gaelic (Irish) football, winning many medals. As a young man he entered the seminary of the St. Columban Mission Society in Ireland and was ordained a priest and served in many places, including then Burma and then was given various assignments in the United States, including New Iberia and Lafayette. Though he made the decision to leave the priesthood he never regretted the journey and had many wonderful memories of the people and places he had been. Jim completed necessary course work at ULL prior to enrolling in the Graduate School of Social Work at LSU in 1969. It was there he met his future wife Lea, and they both received their MSW degrees in 1971 and married that same month. He worked in the state of Louisiana in the area of alcohol and substance abuse and retired as Baton Rouge Regional Manager for Alcohol and Substance Abuse, DHH in 1992. In retirement, he enjoyed listening to classical music, working in his yard, traveling to Ireland, and also worked part-time with a group of other retirees for Enterprise Car Rental. However, one of his greatest joys was the five years he volunteered with Baton Rouge General at Bluebonnet, bringing communion to patients each Sunday. The Irishman often said he had enjoyed a great life with family and friends and had no regrets.

A special thanks to Dr. Michael McCarthy and St. Joseph Hospice for the medical and hospice care provided. Also family, neighbors and friends who were so helpful and generous with their time for Jim.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 2250 Main Street, BR, La 70802; St. Joseph Hospice. 10615 Jefferson Hwy. BR. La. 70809; or Columban Fathers, P O Box 10. St. Columban, Nebraska. 68056-0010; or the donor’s choice.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 18, 2011, 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Baton Rouge.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2011, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. His family has chosen cremation after the service and inurnment will be private.