James "Jim" Werner Pierson

James Werner “Jim” Pierson, 62, died Saturday, December 8, 2012, in his home with his beloved wife of 41 years, Michele Loe Pierson, at his side. Jim is survived by his sons, Ed and wife Anne Pierson of Duluth, Georgia and Greg Pierson of Baton Rouge; grandsons, Tyler and Nicholas Pierson of Natchitoches, and Jack Pierson of Duluth, Georgia; mother, Virginia Pierson of Natchitoches; brother, Jay and wife Connie Pierson of Shreveport; sisters, Mary Lou and husband Phil Brown of Natchitoches, and Patsy and husband Roddy McAlpine of Kingwood, Texas; sisters-in-law Anne Kimbrough of Shreveport and Martha Loe of Los Angeles, California; mother-in-law, Beverly Fergeson and husband Richard of Shreveport. He was the adored “Unk” to his many nieces and nephews, and “Precious” to his mother. He is survived by special friends Becky and David Stewart, Wavy Wagley and by many treasured friends and relatives. Jim’s professional life was spent at City Bank & Trust Company, serving as Senior Vice President, where he was recently recognized for his 40 years of service. Jim obtained a BS degree from NSU in 1972; graduated from the School of Banking of the South at LSU; American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School and the School of Bank Marketing and Management. Jim loved Natchitoches and over the years was active in many areas of the community serving on boards of the Natchitoches Country Club, Council on Aging, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Fellowship of Christian Athletics, NSU Alumni Foundation, Louisiana Economic Development Corporation, and the American Cemetery Association. He spent 15 years on the board of the Women’s Resource Center, an organization very dear to his heart. Jim was an active member of First Baptist Church. The Knights of Columbus Council 13192 honored Jim in 2006 by naming him “Man of the Year.” Jim was a past President and member of the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Golf Association. He was an avid golfer and often partnered with his brother, Jay. They received significant pleasure in winning two Louisiana State Fourball Championships and two Louisiana State Senior Fourball Championships. He twice played in the AT&T National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. Preceding Jim in death was his father, Ed Pierson. Jim loved life. He embraced each day with a sense of adventure and desire to serve his fellow man. He quickly became a friend to everyone he met and from that time on was loyal and giving. He loved to laugh, share stories, a good practical joke and make memories which he loved to share with everyone. His optimism was contagious. Even in the worst of times in his illness, those who were around him were uplifted and encouraged because he demonstrated faith and belief that better times were coming. Jim’s life is characterized by devotion to his family, compassionate, generous, energetic, fun-loving, a wonderful sense of humor, and living out his faith on a daily basis. He will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Services to celebrate Jim’s life will be held Wednesday, December 12th at 1:00 p.m., First Baptist Church with the Rev. Tommy Rush officiating. Burial will be in the American Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 11th, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Those honored to be pallbearers are Ken Aaron, Wayne Bostick, Craig Brooks, Bob Morrow, Bobby Pierson, and Joe Pierson, Jr. The family wishes to thank the many doctors, the Natchitoches Dialysis Facility, and Hospice of Natchitoches who have been such strength and help during Jim’s illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Women’s Resource Center, 107 North Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457; First Baptist Church, 508 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457; or the charity of your choice.