James D. ‘Donnie’ Simar

A Mass of Christian burial for James D. “Donnie” Simar, 80, of Evangeline was held at St. Jules’s Catholic Church in T-Mamou at noon Saturday, July 3, 2021.

A gathering of family and friends was held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings Friday, July 2, 2021, from 4-8 p.m., with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. The family requested that visitation resume Saturday from 8 a.m. until the time of his funeral Mass.

Donnie was laid to rest in St. Jules Cemetery following his services.

James D. Simar was born in Iota on Jan. 19, 1941, to John M. Simar and Mary Reed. He was called to his Heavenly Father on June 30, 2021.

Donnie served our country honorably in the U.S. Army. He made his career as a gauger in the petroleum industry and worked for Amoco until his retirement in 1991.

Donnie was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, as well as tend to his garden. He was also a skilled carpenter. Donnie was well-known for his dry sense of humor, and he never had anything bad to say about anyone.

Donnie was honest and hardworking and a great father and friend to all. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Donnie is survived by his longtime companion, Roberta Gaspard of Jennings; his daughters, Jeleana Simar of Evangeline, Jennifer Simar Lavergne (Ray) of Lafayette, Felicia Simar of Evangeline and their mother, Sandra Simar; his brothers, John Derrell “Manny” Simar (Estelle) of Iota and David H. Simar (Carolyn) of Iota; and his grandchildren, Joycelyn and Tristan.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, John M. And Mary Simar; his maternal grandparents, Billy and Laura Reed; and his son, Jamie Simar.

Those chosen to honor him as his pallbearers were David Simar, Bryan Simar, Dean Simar, Cal Simar, Ray Lavergne, Patrick McFarlain, Dale Whitney and Leo Benoit.

Honorary pallbearer was John Simar.

To extend online condolences, please visit www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net.