James Reed Stacy

James Reed Stacy, affectionately now as “Poppa”, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and hard work.

Born on November 16, 1939, James grew up in Natchitoches, Louisiana. After graduating from Natchitoches High School, he attended LeTourneau University for two years before proudly serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Oriskany. Upon completing his service, he returned home and earned a degree in Agricultural Business from Northwestern State University.

James was deeply involved in the agricultural community, serving as president of both the Farm Bureau and the Cattleman’s Association. His dedication and expertise earned him numerous accolades, including being named Outstanding Farmer of Natchitoches Parish twice and Louisiana State Farmer of the Year. He went on to represent Louisiana at the National Farmer of the Year competition in Dubuque, Iowa, where he placed in the top ten. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors for Valley Farmers Co-op and Southern Farmers Co-op in Little Rock, Arkansas, and dedicated four years of service as Justice of the Peace. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Natchitoches.

A lifelong farmer and rancher, James had a deep passion for racing his thoroughbred horses and hunting in Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico alongside his wife, children, and friends.

James shared a remarkable love story with his wife, Gwen. Their journey began at just four years old in Miss Dora’s kindergarten room. They grew up together, graduated high school side by side, and years later, their friendship blossomed into a lifelong marriage filled with love and adventure.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Gwendolyn Stacy; his children Julee Ann Wright (Brad), Donald Ray Stacy (Patti), and James Russell Stacy (Mary Edith); and his cherished grandchildren, James Wilson (Kimberly), Rebecca Mitchell (Bruce), Sara Edwards, Alexis Leonhardt (John), Madison Stacy-Mikawi (Osama), Daniel Stacy (Abby), and Kaylee Ann Stacy. He was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren: Braylon Normand, Ridge Wilson, Bailee, Chandler, Avery, and Lillian Mitchell, Camille Edwards, Willa and Wade Leonhardt, and Oliver and Sophia Stacy. James is also survived by his brother Sam H. Stacy (Janice); brother-in-law Griffin Taylor; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Stacy and Eunie V Christian Stacy, and his sister-in-law Susan Thompson Taylor.

James will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and respected leader in his community. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family and profession left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

A service to honor James’s life will be held at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 25 at 10:30 am, with visitation beginning at 9:00 am. Burial will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Disabled American Veterans. Pallbearers will be James’s grandsons James Wilson, Daniel Stacy, and his grandsons-in-law Bruce Mitchell, John Leonhardt, and Osama Mikawi. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brad Wright, Charles Michael, David Bailey, Gary DeBlieux, George Armstrong, Riley LaCaze, Don Kelly, Jim Talmedge, and Joe L. Colbert, Sr.

Though James has left this world, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he loved.