James "Jimmy" Frederick Gomilla

James “Jimmy” Frederick Gomilla, a beloved father, Papaw, husband, artist and friend entered into eternal rest on Thursday, the 1st day, February 2024 in Ruston, Louisiana at the age of 91, after a long happy well fulfilled life.

James was born on Monday, November 14, 1932, in Hammond, LA to the late Rose Agnes Gomilla Pfiffner and Samuel Gomilla. He spent his formative years growing up in Hammond helping to cultivate the family’s strawberry farm. James graduated from Hammond High School in May 1953.

James enlisted in the United States Army with his identical twin, Samuel, on June 3, 1954, where he was in the Signal Corps stationed in Fort Hood, TX.  He was honorably discharged from active duty on June 1, 1956, as a SP3 (Specialist Third Class).  In his tenure, he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

He then pursued and achieved a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond on May 23, 1959. James retired after 33 dedicated years from the State of Louisiana as the Chief Sanitarian of Claiborne Parish.

James was passionate about woodworking and refinishing furniture as well as art. He won multiple awards for his oil and acrylic paintings. He was also well known for his reputable business of refinishing and replacing hardwood floors. When he was not in his shop refinishing antique furniture or wood working, you could find him fishing on Lake Claiborne, canoeing, and camping with his friends. He loved to listen and dance to Cajun Zydeco Jazz and the Blues.  Many weekends when he was able you would find him and his wife cutting a rug to the local blues bands. In his final years, his favorite activities were playing pool, checkers, and watching Western movies, but he especially enjoyed Gunsmoke.

James is survived by his wife of 21 years, Betty Jane Gillespie Gomilla; daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Gomilla Beck (h. Randy); son, Darrell Wayne Pierson (w. Marie); stepsons, Anthony Wayne Lindsey and Mike Lindsey (w. Barbara); grandchildren, Branden Keith Beck and Elizabeth Paige Beck of Homer, LA, Morgan James Pierson (w. Haley) of Bowling Green, KY, Jennifer Jones (h. Cam) of Alabama, and Lindsey Lesley (h. Eric) of Alabama; step grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Rank (h. Jared) of Montana, Jessica Lynn Guevara (h. Michael) of Texas, and Codie Lindsey Merritt (h. Mikel) of Homer, LA; siblings, Sammy Gomilla (w. Rose Mary) of Hammond, LA, Vita Haupers (h. Bill-deceased) of Morton Grove, IL, Lorraine Gomilla (h. Joseph-deceased) of Hammond, LA, and Mary Copeland (h. Lee-deceased) of Lindale, TX; nieces, Hollie Haupers Ortigoza (h. Pachi), Susan Haupers Sansweet (h. Michael), Michelle Gomilla Benevides (h. Sam), Joél Gomilla Jones (h. Steve), Laura Copeland Motal (h. Bill), and Angela Copeland Crowell (h. Corey); nephews, Darren Gomilla, Scott Haupers (w. Sandy), Jon Haupers, Mitch Haupers, Michael Haupers, and Tommy Copeland (w. Sarah); and cousin, Johnny Gomilla. Also survived by many great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his first wife of 28 years, Elizabeth Copeland Gomilla; parents, Rose Agnes Gomilla Pfiffner and Samuel Gomilla; brother, Joseph Gomilla; brothers-in-law, Bill Haupers and Lee Copeland; and uncles, Frank Gomilla and Paul Gomilla.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 601 North Oak Street, Hammond, Louisiana on Saturday, the 10th day of February 2024 at 11:00 am.  The visitation will be held at church from 9:00 am until the mass begins at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow in Rose Memorial Park Cemetery, Hammond, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be made to Holy Ghost Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society or online at donate.cancer.org in memory of James.

The family would like to thank Arbor and Terrace of Ruston, LA, Premier Hospice of Arcadia, and Always Best Care for their excellent care of James Gomilla in his final days.

Share your thoughts and memories of James “Jimmy” in his guestbook by visiting Lnhughes.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to LN Hughes Funeral Services.