Jules Joseph Courville, a rare gem of Acadiana, has met his untimely death on June 8, 2022, only days before his 90th birthday. Most of you may know him from his years as a Theater Manager at both the Center Cinemas of Lafayette and Charles Cinemas of Lake Charles. “Mr. C” touched many lives by always having a fresh pot of coffee brewed and ready to share, while employing many of the youths over the years as cashiers, concession stand workers, and projectionists. If you knew him, you were often invited to previews of new film releases prior to opening to the public. You might have also enjoyed a conversational game of “penny ante” poker or a skilled match of dominoes, his favorite. Each were surrounded in ambience with laughter and the French language common to southern Louisiana. Others may have known him as the projectionist at the Joy Cinema of Rayne where he worked in his youth.
Born in Swords, to Adam and Amanda Courville on June 16, 1932, Jules was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Douglas and Dalbert; sisters, Alosia, Eula Mae and Hilda Boyer. He lost his first wife Helen to cancer in 2000. His stepson Layton Thibodeaux was lost recently to the pandemic.
Jules remarried to Bobbie Thibodeaux who survives him. He is also survived by many others fortunate to have shared his love: His four children, Freida Courville, Jules Ray “JR” Courville, Helena Hogan, and Dwayne “Adam” Courville. His stepchildren, Peggy Autin, and Paula Anderson. The family includes their immediate spouses, and many nieces and nephews from both families. He was lovingly proud in having 24 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. We will all miss him.
As with the fading of the once familiar, cinema landmarks, so does Jules…but to a better place in heaven.
Visitation and services will be held at Duhon Funeral Home, 1529 Crowley Rayne Hwy, Crowley, LA 70525 on Saturday, June 11 2022, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The family respectfully requests the consideration of donations in support of his wife Bobbie instead of flowers.