James Soileau

James Russell Soileau passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on October 1, 2024 in Prescott, Arizona. He was born on March 29, 1953 in Louisiana.

Jim met his future wife Gena in grade school, and they married in 1973. He served in the Air Force from Jan 1973 until July 1981. During their 51 years of marriage, they moved 11 times within the United States and served 4 years in Germany where their son, Bradley, was born.

After the military, Jim returned to college and graduated from Florida Southern University in 1983.

Jim & Gena moved to Prescott in 2011 when Jim retired as Director of Quality Assurance in the Aerospace industry. Prior to this illness, Jim enjoyed playing golf, scuba diving on the East Coast, playing in softball leagues and was an avid sports card collector. He was always ready for a dish of Gumbo, Jambalaya, or Boiled Crawfish. He loved watching and cheering for the LSU football team: Geaux Tigers! And the New Orleans Saints.

Jim was most proud of his son and family, his granddaughter Leyla (graduating from Berkeley in December), his Cajun heritage and serving the military.

Jim will be remembered for his fun-loving and adventurous character and as the Cajun saying goes: "Laissez Le BonsTemps Rouler" - Let the Good Times Roll!

The family thanks Maggie's Hospice team and Ruffner-Wakelin for their services and care.

Jim is survived by his wife Gena Lynch Soileau, son Bradley (Renee) Soileau, granddaughter Leyla Vakhshour, Sister-in-law Diana Lynch Charles, Brother-in-law Dennis Charles, Nieces Ella (Jeremy) Charles Brann, and Amanda (Jason) Charles Davis, a nephew Sam (Puja) Charles and Great Niece and Nephews Arjun Charles, Avni Charles, and Andrew Brann.

Services will be held at Prescott United Methodist Church, 505 W. Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ on Saturday October 26, 2024 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jim's name to Yavapai Humane Society, Prescott United Methodist church, or a charity of your choice.