James Peter LeBlanc, Jr., 83, of Orange, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026. He was born on August 20, 1942, in Port Arthur, Texas, to James Peter LeBlanc Sr. and Iva Mary Register LeBlanc.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City. Officiating will be Father Ernie Carpio. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Garden in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, with a Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m.
James was born and raised in Bridge City, Texas, an only child. From a young age, he worked in the family-owned business, The Buccaneer Cafe. He graduated from Bridge City High School in 1960. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Judy Marie Nunez. The following year, in 1962, James began his dedicated career at Dupont Sabine River Works in Orange, where he served as a machinist and instrumentation technician. He retired in 2000 after 38 years of service.
A true mechanic at heart, James enjoyed working on and refurbishing old cars, possessing a remarkable ability to fix anything. He loved attending car shows and embarking on RV travels with friends to Colorado. His daily routine often included morning coffee at Whataburger after mass. James cherished visiting with old and new friends alike, and he found joy in playing Mexican train and Dominos. He was a faithful member of St. Henry Catholic Church and a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus for many years, serving his church as a sacristan and in any way needed since his youth. He was the best husband.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Judy Marie LeBlanc; his children, Lisa Lapeyrolerie and husband Paul, Gary LeBlanc and wife Debbie, and Paul LeBlanc and wife Shelli. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Vince Lapeyrolerie, Ashley Lapeyrolerie, Danielle LeBlanc Davis, Alexis LeBlanc, Zack LeBlanc, and Zane Caillier; as well as his great-grandchildren, Peyton Lapeyrolerie, Reid Lapeyrolerie, Fitz Davis, Graham Davis, and Blaire Davis. He is also survived by his special cousin, Patsy Williams; as well as numerous other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Iva LeBlanc.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mike, Sabrina, Stacey, Kari, Toya, Le, and Tracy of Southeast Texas Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.
Serving as pallbearers will be Vince Lapeyrolerie, Zack LeBlanc, Gerald Lemoine, Paul Lapeyrolerie, Zane Caillier, and Trevor Davis. Honorary pallbearers are Reid Lapeyrolerie, Fitz Davis, and Graham Davis.