Richard "Rick" Michael James

Richard “Rick” Michael James passed away at 8:31 PM on the night of May 31, 2026, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was 73. 

Rick served our country as a member of the United States Marines and the United States Army during the early 1970s. He was a volunteer firefighter with the St. Tammany Parish Fire Department District 1 prior to moving to Baton Rouge. 

Rick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. With his passing, we are left with many memories of his generosity, helpfulness, kindness, and friendliness. 

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Judy Lagarde James, his daughter, Julie James Horridge, and his grandchildren, Sophia and Wyatt Horridge. 

Rick was the son of the late Rufus Odell James and Ida Belle Reeves (James) (Vasquez). He was brother to the late Joyce Jeanette Pigrenet (James), Johnnie Mae Larocque (James), Anthony Odell James, and Edith Dianne James. 

He is survived by his brother Vernon Edward James. Richard was the dedicated son-in-law to the late Raymond and Dixie Lagarde (Valvis), and a caring brother-in-law to Lizabeth Schlumbrecht (Lagarde), Dixie Gates (Lagarde), Manuel Lagarde, and the late Michael Lagarde. 

There will be a celebration of life at his home in Baton Rouge on June 14th at 1:00. He will be interred at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell.