James "Jim" Abner Soileau

James “Jim” Abner Soileau passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at the age of 64.

Jim was born in Pineville, LA on December 16, 1961 to Fabous and Ethel Soileau. He spent more than 30 years, working as a painter and sandblaster in the shipbuilding industry. He enjoyed eating crab claws at the Lighthouse in Bayou LaBatre, AL He could be shy and timid but all that disappeared when his LSU Tigers were playing football.  He was thoughtful and caring, particularly when it concerned his family and animals.

In December of 2024, he was diagnosed with cancer and he fought hard to stick around for his children and grandchildren but it was not to be. Jim was a truly a selfless and exceptional husband and father. He was a devoted provider who made sure everyone around him was taken care of in life. He was fiercely protective of his girls and grandchildren. He never missed a chance to remind them how special they were and how deeply he loved them. Even though his daughters live out of state and couldn’t see each other every day, he made it a priority to call and check in daily, often multiple times a day. He had an old, pure soul, the kind that even animals were drawn to him. The loss of him is immense and devastating, but his memory will live on through the countless stories of how he showed love to everyone, especially his family. Go rest high on that mountain, Jim, your work here is completed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in by three siblings, John Paul Soileau, Carolyn Brouillette and Darryl “ Peacock” Soileau.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Soileau; children Kayla Mayeaux and her husband Dennis “Man” and Lacey Gaspard and her husband Ryan “Knub”; stepson, Dustin J. Firmin; mother to his grandchildren, Amanda D. Firmin; siblings, Mona (Jerry) Reed, Debra (Charles) Peavey. Dana Soileau, and Tonya (Michael) Hardy; grandchildren, Landon, Breanna, Taylor, Rae’Lynn, Ryan, Eli, Lincoln, and Hunnie; his fur baby, Sweetie Pie and numerous other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from, 11 am -1 pm. Funeral Service will follow at 1pm in the funeral home chapel with his brother-in-law, Rev. Jerry Reed officiating.

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