Chad Hillstrom, Sr.; 45; Kentwood; March 2; survived by his wife, Jewelena Hillstrom; children, Kymberly (Blake) Accordo, Chad Jr., Cami Jo, Cameren, and Devonte; and grandchildren, Saylor Accordo and another granddaughter on the way.
Billie Jean Coates Smith; 89; Hammond; March 1 survived by her children, Deborah Brunett (Tommy), Randy Smith (Tammy), and Kim Smith (Louisa); grandchildren, Brandi Hosch, Jason Vernon, Kirby Harter, Jesse Miller, Suzanne Smith, Brittany Smith, Candice Smith, and Chris Vicaro; sister, Shirley Holder; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
James David Bailey, Jr.; 69; Loranger; March 4; survived by his son, David Cullen Bailey (Katelyn); sisters, Sue Price (Tommy) and Sandy Morse (Pete); nieces, Kristie Faust (Jeremiah), Katy Miley (Wade), and Erica Morse; nephew, Tommy Price (Heather); great-niece, Miah; great-nephews, Noah, Jeb, and Trace; and extended family.
Verlie Lou Joiner Gomez; 96; Hammond; March 4; survived by her son, Wilfred L. Gomez, Jr. (Marion); grandchildren, Sassy McLin, Stacie Simmons (Ricky), Marcie Callaway (Gary), and Kacie Wilkinson (Jimmy); brother, Roy Joiner; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
James David Bailey, Jr.
James David Bailey, Jr. (Jim) entered the presence of the Lord on March 4, 2025, at the age of 69. Jim was a graduate of Loranger High School and Louisiana State University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Vocational Agriculture Education.
He was an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for over 30 years, the majority of which was spent at Loranger High School. He led an award-winning program that was recognized nationally, but more importantly, he found potential in his students and inspired them to believe in themselves and achieve their life’s purpose. His legacy will be forever enshrined by his former students as they continue to lead their communities, serve others selflessly, and stand up for what is right even if it means that they stand alone.
Jim proudly served his community as a volunteer fireman to protect lives and property with both the Husser and Eighth Ward Volunteer Fire Departments. He served as the Chief and President for the Husser Volunteer Fire Department for much of his time in the fire service.
With no political ambition, but a call to duty, he was elected to the Tangipahoa Parish Council in 2015 and proudly served District 2 as councilman from 2016-2020. He represented his district with great pride as a place where he lived for nearly his entire life.
Jim has left a positive impact in every place that his journey took him. His creativity shined as he crafted copper wire into names for students, friends, and strangers alike. He exhibited humor with many pranks and jokes, all done with an unmistakable wit. He selflessly and quietly helped many friends through tough times and provided wisdom to those who needed it.
Jim is reunited in Heaven with his beloved son, Christopher Scott Bailey, his mother, Jeanette Poche Bailey, and his father, James David Bailey, Sr.
Jim leaves behind his son, David Cullen Bailey, and daughter-in-law, Katelyn Jeanelle Bailey; his sisters, Sue Price (Tommy) and Sandy Morse (Pete); nieces, Kristie Faust (Jeremiah), Katy Miley (Wade), and Erica Morse; nephew, Tommy Price (Heather); great niece, Miah Faust; great-nephews, Noah Faust, Jeb Miley, and Trace Gibson “Gibby” Miley; and extended family, including his brothers and sisters in the fire service and students who he recognized as his “kids.”
Visitation will be held at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond on Saturday, March 8, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. Visitation will resume on Sunday, March 9, at the funeral home at noon until the Celebration of Life Service at 2:00pm.
Interment will follow in Joiner Cemetery in Loranger, LA.