James (Jim) Soileau, M.D.

Following a 16 Month journey with cancer, James (Jim) Sherman Soileau, M.D. died in the comfort of hospice care, at home, in Mandeville, LA., August 9, 2022.

He was born July 24, 1943 in Church Point, LA., the son of James R. and Marie (Labbe) Soileau.

After graduating from high school, Jim married his high school sweetheart and life-long friend, Pam. Jim died 3 days before their 59th wedding anniversary.

Jim graduated valedictorian from the Academy of the Immaculate Conception, Opelousas, LA., Class of 1961. He graduated with a Masters Degree from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA. He graduated with a Doctorate of Medicine from the Louisiana State University Medical School, New Orleans in 1966.

After a year of internship at New Orleans Charity Hospital, Jim joined the U.S. Army. He was a captain and served as a Flight Surgeon in Vietnam, 1968-1969. He served with the men of the 187th Assault Helicopter Company. He enjoyed yearly gatherings with them for the next 50 plus years. While serving in Vietnam, in addition to his care for his fellow Americans, “Doc” was active at a local TB hospital in Tay Ninh, and he was recognized for his services to the Vietnamese people.

Following a five-year residency in Otolaryngology, Jim practiced medicine in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Gonzales, and Covington, LA. for 50 years.

He shared his great enthusiasm and love of medicine in practice with several fellow physicians over those 50 years: Robert Peden, M.D., Stanley “Bubba” Peters, M.D., Edward Milligan, M.D., and Gerard Gianoli, M.D.

“Doc Jim” and Dr. Gianoli practiced the art of medicine together for the past 20 years. Legions of patients world-wide were the beneficiaries of their consulting together on every patient’s unique medical history.

Dr. Gianoli’s wife, Dr. MaryLee Cherry was a dear friend and supporter. The staff of the Ear and Balance Center, Kacie, Lisa, Andrea and Gwen, were always masters in the challenging task of keeping their “Dr.S” organized, on time, and armed with a pen in his pocket.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Pam are his daughter, Elizabeth (Brian Hoffner), and his sons James R. (Michelle Neely) and William and his wife Rae Guan.

Jim was the proud and delighted grandfather of seven grandchildren, Jessica, her husband Corey, Benjamin, his wife Chelsea, Andy, Maggie, Evie, Max, Alex, and five great grandchildren, Brayden, Gavin, Jordan, Mila and Cameron.

Jim has one brother, he loved fiercely and spoke with almost every day, Glenn Soileau and his wife Judy.

Jim always felt blessed to call Pam’s siblings and their spouses’ family, including her sister Alexa (Bob Adair), her brother Barney and wife Kim and her brother Robert and wife Shelley. Jim took joy in the many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, in his large extended family.

As per his wishes, Jim was cremated. A gathering of family and close friends, a simple celebration of his life, will take place this fall.