James "Jimmy" Sothern

James “Jimmy” M. Sothern, geology professor, musician, wetlands preservationist and cajun cultural icon for nearly a decade, passed away comfortably amongst family and friends listening to his favorite songs on Monday, June 21, 2021. 

The Louisiana native was a legend exuding life beyond the 90 magical years he breathed on this earth. Whether it was working on one of his many projects at his camp, playing Cajun French music to thousands of visitors from around the globe, teaching countless students about the beauty of our planet, or simply making his famous banana's foster, Jimmy was always up to something.

Despite the many exciting adventures Jimmy embarked on, it was time spent at  home at his camp on Grand Caillou that he loved most, always welcoming any wayfaring stranger, eager to share stories . Throughout the years The Camp evolved from a local watering hole to epicenter of Sothern family gatherings, and Jimmy was always right in the thick of it, ever the entertainer.

He joins his beloved wife Jeraldine “Jerry” Guidry Sothern in heaven along with his parents James O’Brien and Violet Sothern, son James “Sud” Robley, daughter Rebecca Sothern McElroy, grandson Robert “Little Bobby” Barrios; sister Kay Peschel, and beloved dog Sumo “Sue."

He is survived by his children Rachael Barrios and husband Robert, Melinda Sothern and husband Dave Hebert, Wilma Sothern and husband Scott Almandarez, and Julie Sothern; his grand children Nikki Maronge, April McElroy Jones, Samantha Pearce, T.J. McElroy, Tyler Sothern, Allyson Nobles, Billy Theriot, and Louis and Elliot DeCrauzat; and his great-grandchildren Jacob, Meghan, and Morgan Maronge, Teila and Layla Jones, Kingsley Bremermann, and Ava Renee Boudwin; brother Thomas Sothern; sister Virginia Honish.

Jimmy will be laid to rest on Friday, June 25, 2021 at Chauvin Funeral Home in Houma, Louisiana. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, with service to follow at 12 noon, and burial immediately afterwards. A Celebration of Life will be held following the burial at the Jolly Inn in Houma, Louisiana from 2 to 6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to local musicians.

Chauvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Sothern.