James Felps

James (Jim) Herbert Felps went home to be with his heavenly Father on Monday, May 24th, 2021 at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his girls, wife, Kathy and daughters, Katie and Carlie.

Jim was born on December 5th, 1944 to Rita Lee and Herbert Felps in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was the youngest of their four boys.  As the baby of the family, he tagged along with his big brothers as they taught him to hunt and fish.

Jim had a beautiful voice. He sang in the Central High School Choir and then later in his church choirs. In high school he excelled in athletics and was awarded a Senior Superlative for Most School Spirit. He later received a scholarship from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Like many young men he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served from 1962 – 1966 during the Vietnam War Era. After his military service, he completed a career with Rubicon as an Instrument Analyst.

He loved his horse farm. Raising horses and training took most of his time. As an avid horseback rider, he traveled the country to trail ride and fellowship with other riders.

Jim and Kathy met at church, where their individual love for The Lord drew them instantly together. They enjoyed traveling and creating memories to last a lifetime. Their favorite time together was sharing coffee each morning. Their love story will be one shared with future generations.

Jim was a humble man who was steadfast in his beliefs that God, family, and country were his priorities. As a member of New Zion Baptist Church, he taught in Vacation Bible School, lead the Senior Adults, and sang in the Church choir. He served on the lunch ministry team to feed those in need. Each year, you could find him on the church grounds setting up for the Christmas Drive Through.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Artus Felps, daughters Katie (Taylor) Raiford, and Carlie Viator, and grandson, Axyl James. He is also survived by his brothers, Charles Alvin Felps, John William (Beverly) Felps, and Jerry (Sharon Kaye) Felps.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rita Lee Chandler and Herbert Felps.

Services will be held at New Zion Baptist Church on Saturday May 29th. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00am to 11:00am. The Ceremony will begin at 11:00am with burial in the church cemetery. Following the burial, refreshments will be served in the Family Ministry Center.

The family is forever grateful for the nursing staff and physicians at St. Tammany Parish Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the New Zion Baptist Church Lunch Ministry.