Houma - Funeral services for James Claude Bonvillain, Sr., 88 who passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Morning Star Baptist Church, 120 Mission Blvd., Houma, LA. Pastor Grant Bonvillain will officiate.

Visitation will be held at Morning Star Baptist Church and begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, and conclude at the time of service.

He will await the resurrection at Morning Star Baptist Church Cemetery in Houma, LA.

James Claude "Captain Big Jim" Bonvillain, Sr., 88, a beloved native of Grand Caillou, Louisiana, and a longtime resident of Houma, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Born on May 3, 1937, in Grand Caillou, Louisiana, James was the fifth of ten children born to the late Willie Bonvillain Sr. and Emma "Susie" Rutledge Bonvillain. He was a man known for his strength, perseverance, and deep devotion to his family and community.

James proudly served his country in the United States Army before returning home to Grand Caillou, Louisiana, where he built a life rooted in hard work and determination. He later became a commercial fisherman, a profession that reflected his deep connection to the waters and traditions of the bayou. Known by many as "Captain Big Jim," he was a respected fisherman and captain who spent much of his life working on the waters of coastal Louisiana.

Outside of his work, James enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. He was also deeply committed to civic engagement. As the founder of the Terrebonne Parish Voters League, James worked alongside others in the organization to help register hundreds of citizens to vote, leaving a lasting impact on his community.

He leaves to cherish his memory: seven sons, Lonigin Claude Valentine (Jacky), Lyman Richard Walker III (Rachel), James Bonvillain Jr. (Patricia), John Fitzgerald Sr., Jody André Bonvillain (Pamela), Keifer Bonvillain, and Travis Lamond Bonvillain; three daughters, Jane Marie Williams (Leonard), Cheramie Vivian Jupiter, and Richelle Kay Bonvillain; daughter-in-law, Regina Bailey; thirty-six grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren; one sister, Delores Johnson (Nilo); one sister-in-law, Josephine Bonvillain; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cecil Joyce Bonvillain; daughter, Kelly B. Bonvillain; son, James Claude Bailey; grandson, Blake Edward Bonvillain; granddaughters, Danielle Walker and Alisa Dardar; great-granddaughters, Ella Jean Bonvillain and Cassianna Hill; his parents, Willie Bonvillain Sr. and Emma "Susie" Bonvillain; mother-in-law, Frances Dallas King; father-in-law, Cecil Brown; five brothers, Albert Bonvillain, Earl Bonvillain (Viola), Willie Bonvillain Jr., Harry Bonvillain (Jacqueline), and Paul Bonvillain (Beverly); six sisters, Joyce B. LeBoeuf, Florence Bell Williams, Leola Mae Torrey (Elmon), Ora Mae Norman (Roy), Mary Alice Nixon (Chester), and Emma Ann Bonvillain; and two sisters-in-law, Jean McReynolds and Vivian Baton (Frank).

James Claude Bonvillain, Sr. was a native and resident of Houma, LA. The family has entrusted their loved one to the caring professionals at Davis Family Mortuary, 802 Weldon Street, New Iberia, LA.