James Harvey “Pampa” Slaydon  Jr., 86, passed away at home on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. He was born on Jan. 31, 1935, to James Harvey Slaydon Sr. and Marie Campbell Slaydon in Reeves, La.

Jimmy grew up in Westlake, La. After graduating in 1955 from Westlake High School, he and his new bride, Blanche moved to Florida where he worked at a chicken farm making 75 cents an hour. For a brief time his bride was the primary breadwinner, making about 80 cents an hour. For the next 66 years of their marriage, this little known fact was mentioned occasionally. 

In 1957, the young couple moved back to Westlake to start their family, and Jimmy went to work for the Olin Corporation, where he would continue working for the next 39 years. During this time, Jimmy and Blanche had two daughters, both of whom will forever be “daddy’s little girls.”

After retirement from Olin, Jimmy continued to be a worker, a builder and a fixer. He woke up every day before the rooster crowed and drank his coffee “the way John Wayne liked it.” His days were never boring, and he always had projects to get done. The day God called him home, he was in the middle of one of those tasks. We take comfort in knowing that he left this world doing what he loved and taking care of what needed to be done.

Pampa was an outdoorsman. He spent much of his life on the river, hunting, fishing and boating. In the latter part of his life, he became too soft hearted to hunt, but he still enjoyed eating wild game, so he left the hunting up to his grandsons.

This past year, trying to rebuild his and Ma’s home of 64 years took a heavy toll on him. Our family is so grateful that they were able to be back together in their home before he entered his eternal home.

Pampa was a very wise man. He was kind and gentle, teaching each of us so much, but most importantly, showing us unconditional love. He loved all of us deeply and showed it every day. We will love and miss him for the rest of our lives.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Blanche Slaydon of Westlake, La.; his daughters, Sheri Slaydon of Westlake, La., and Sheila Rushing (Rick) of Moss Bluff, La.; his grandchildren, B.J. Freeman (Irina) of Baton Rouge, La., Amberly Johnson (Justin) of Westlake, La., Brooke Menard (Paul) of Ragley, La,., and James Rushing (Morgan) also of Ragley, La.; great-grandchildren, Bryanna Smith, Brylynn, Brinlee, Abby and Nick Menard, Mira Louise, Miles and Harvey Johnson, Brecken Rushing, and Mason and Lyla Richards; his son-in-law, Bryan Freeman; his sisters, Ruth Martin and Jeanne Brown; and his brother, David Slaydon.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Margaret Slaydon; and his special pets, Inga, Sheba, Yukon and Lobo.

His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at Westlake Assembly of God Church, located at 1709 John Stine Rd., Westlake La. The Rev. Alisha Voisin will officiate. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Wednesday evening visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff, located at 2171 Hwy. 171 North, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., and will resume on Thursday morning at Westlake Assembly of God Church from 9 a.m. until the start of the service at 11 a.m.