JAMES C. 'JIM' AZCONA
(1927-2022)
James C. Azcona passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the age of 95. A native New Orleanian born in 1927 to Mateo James Azcona and Miriam Fiegler Azcona, he faithfully served his country, his community, his family, and his Catholic beliefs throughout his life.
Jim was a graduate and loyal supporter of Jesuit High School. He later attended LSU, where he attained his undergraduate degree, and became a lifelong Alumni and LSU Tiger fan.
In 1944, Jim proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During World War II he trained as a signalman and served in the Philippines. After the war, he earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola University in New Orleans and began practicing law in 1952. He was a respected and admired attorney for over 60 years and was a member of the Louisiana Bar. He successfully practiced law in many diverse and challenging roles throughout his career, including Government Service, Private Practice and Corporate Law.
Jim met the love of his life, Betty Mitchell at a party on her 16th birthday. They married seven years later, after the war, and built a life together that lasted over 75 years. Jim and Betty had five children, and devoted all their love, wisdom and patience to raising their family. Jim was a devout family man and made it a priority to be home with his family for dinner at 6 pm every evening. He also never missed his children’s extracurricular activities including football games, school plays or concerts. Jim truly enjoyed New Orleans traditions, one of which was bringing his children to watch the horses’ early morning workouts at the Fairgrounds.
The day would start at 6 am with Mass, followed by donuts and chocolate milk.
He was known as “Grandpa” to his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, whom he adored. When in their company, his face would light up and his playful nature would quickly take over. Jim especially loved gathering with the family, where he delighted in playing a traditional hide and seek game of “Sardines” in the dark, where he made the “Grandpa challenge” an unforgettable memory.
A devout Catholic, Jim was a longtime parishioner of St. Francis Cabrini and St. Maria Goretti churches in New Orleans. He served on the Steering Committee and helped build both churches. He was an annual attendee of Cursillo Men’s Retreats and, along with his beloved wife Betty, worked as an exemplary Marital Speaker team in Catholic Pre-Cana Seminars for many years.
Together they received training and were commissioned as Ministers of Holy Communion by the Catholic Church.
After Katrina destroyed their home in New Orleans, Jim and Betty moved to Rayne, Louisiana. In Rayne, they were quickly embraced by old family friends and new acquaintances, including the parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church, which made a difficult transition much easier.
Jim was an avid and boisterous LSU and Saints fan. He loved to recant great memories of these games including being present at the famous Billy Cannon Halloween Run in Tiger Stadium. He was also a lifelong Saints season ticket holder, and was present at the very memorable inaugural Saints kickoff in Tulane Stadium. He was later honored by the Saints organization by having his and Betty’s name placed on the Memorial Wall outside the Superdome.
Jim loved nothing more than to celebrate holidays and good times with his beloved “Betty”, his family, and friends. Everyone looked forward to his unique recipe for cooking his Thanksgiving turkey and boiled crawfish. When asked what his secret ingredient was, he would always respond, “It was cooked with love.”
When Betty passed away, he was asked by his children and grandchildren what was it like to be married to Betty for 70 years. His reply was “The Best”.
His cultivated knowledge of local and national politics and history made him an interesting and entertaining conversationalist. Jim was renowned as a devoted father and grandfather, a consummate professional, and a true man of integrity. He will be missed by all who knew him, and was well loved.
He is survived by children, James C. Azcona, Jr., Ann Elizabeth Azcona Ewin (Dabney), Susan “Suze” Azcona Davis Stouff (Roger), Stephen John Azcona (Colleen), and Nancy Ann Azcona Lawson (Mark), his grandchildren John Scott Davis, Jr. (Dana), Elizabeth Azcona Aucoin (Troy), Melissa Lawson Salmon (Jameson), Stephen George Azcona (Olivia), Lindsey Elizabeth Lawson, and Katherine Courtney Azcona, and numerous beloved great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces, His sisters-in-laws Joan Mitchell Mayeux (A.J., deceased), Laura Mitchell (John Patrick Mitchell, Jr., deceased). He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife.
A funeral service for family and close friends was held in early October at Greenwood Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jesuit High School of New Orleans, 4133 Banks Street, New Orleans, LA 70119.