James "Jim" Edward Church CW4 (ret.)

CW4 James “Jim” Edward Church, U.S. Navy, Retired, age 78, a resident of Lacombe, La., went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 5, 2021. Jim was married to Paulette Grinage Church for 57 years wonderful years.  They were married in Slidell, LA in 1963 at Calvary Baptist Church.  Jim was born in Childersburg, Alabama but spent much of his early life in Louisville, Kentucky where he was a graduate of Dupont Manual High School.  After graduation, he moved to Slidell where he worked for Crescent Steel until enlisting in the Navy.  During his naval career of 25 years, Jim went from entering as an Airmen to achieve the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.  Jim was in the field of Avionics and was assigned to work in and on the VAW squadron’s E2 aircraft.  He served with numerous VAW Squadron’s as their Maintenance Officer.  His contributions and work ethic earning him respect from those who worked for and with him.  Jim retired from the Navy in 1986 and began working in the defense contractor community in Southern Maryland.  He continued to use the experience and knowledge gained from his years in the Navy.   He is preceded in death by his father Michael N. Church, Sr. and mother Ada Frost Church, brother Michael N. Church, Jr. and sister Rosemary Delahousaye.
He is survived by his wife Paulette J. Church of Lacombe, Louisiana and Sons James C. (Laurie) Church of Loranger, Louisiana, Timothy A. (Valerie) Church of Fort Worth, Texas, and 4 Grandchildren, Megan, Taylor, Courtney, Caleb, 3 Great Grandchildren, Aiden, James, Hannah, and nieces and nephews.  Jim was a loving husband, as well as a great dad who always told his sons they were loved followed by a hug.  Jim leaves behind many friends who will remember his generous spirit, warm smile and great sense of humor.  The family would like to extend a special thanks to St. Tammany Hospice for the compassionate, tender and respectful care they gave our Jim.