MacCauley Mack James

MacCauley Mercer “Mack” James, age 74, of Natchitoches, La., died Saturday, April 5, 2008, at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center in Natchitoches, La. Arrangements are being handled by Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, La., where the family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday, April 7, 2008. A rosary service will be held at 7:00 PM Monday, April 7, 2008. The funeral service will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 8, 2008, with Rev. Louis E. Sklar officiating. Interment will be at Catholic Cemetery in Natchitoches, La. “Mack” was one of the last of the old-time cowboys. He lived life with gusto. A lifetime farmer/cattleman, Mack loved the outdoors and the freedom of conducting his life in his own way. Yet he was a man who loved his family above all else. Moreover, he was devout in his faith in God and in his devotion to the Church. Mack loved people: he loved entertaining them with his stories, and drawing them out into telling their own. Of all the many, many people who knew Mack, most of them when remembering him would first think of his humor. Part historian, part philosopher, part spinner of tall tales, Mack never met a stranger not only because he loved to talk but because he loved to listen as well. Mack was a descendent of pioneer families from Rapides Parish: the James family, the Kalvit family, and the Henderson family. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris "Elise" James; his parents, DeWitt James, Sr. and Susan James; one grandchild, McCauley James, III; one sister, Dixie James Willis; and one brother, Fielding James, Sr. He is also survived by his wife Eve James; two daughters, Doris James of Natchitoches, La. and Nancy James of Natchitoches, La.; three sons, William Henry James of Natchitoches, La., Macky James and wife Debbie of Coushatta, La., and David James and wife Anita of Natchitoches, La.; four grandchildren, Casie James, Caitlin James, Chase James, and Daniel James; one great grandchild, Macaylah Tingle; two sisters, Margaret Sue White and Ella James; and two brothers, DeWitt James, Jr. and Grundy James. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to one of the following organizations in Mr. James’ name: The Elise Pierson James Scholarship Fund c/o NSU Foundation at NSU Alumni Center, University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497. Campaign for Capital Contribution to the St. Mary’s School, sent to Alan J. Powers, Principal, 1101 East 5th Street, Natchitoches, La 71457.