James Lawrence " Larry" Roy

James Lawrence "Larry" Roy, 94, a native of New Roads, Louisiana, and resident of St. Martinville since 1971, died peacefully at Consolata Nursing Hime in New Iberia August 24, 2026.

He was the son of Clement Eli Roy, Sr. and Stella Major Roy, the fifth of six children. Larry was a 1950 Graduate of St. Joseph Catholic School in New Roads. After three years of study at Loyola University in New Orleans, he discerned a call to the Society of Jesus, spending thirteen years in formation, beginning in Grand Coteau, Louisiana.

Larry was ordained a Jesuit priest at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans the Summer of 1966. He served the next five years as an educator and athletic coach in Jesuit high schools in Tampa, Florida; El Paso, Texas; and Shreveport, Louisiana among others before discerning a call to laity.

In August 1971 Larry accepted the position of Sixth Grade Boys Physical Education teacher at St. Martinville Elementary School. The following seven years he taught Ninth Grade English at St. Martinville Junior High before accepting the role of principal at St. Martinville Senior High, one to which he was fully committed until June 1988.

After teaching Ninth Grade English for one year at Catholic High in New Iberia, Larry was asked to serve as principal of Trinity Catholic Elementary School in St. Martinville, a position he held with distinction until 1995.

Ever the teacher, Larry held classes at the St. Martinville Police Department several years for the Responsible Vendor Program of the Louisiana Department of Alcohol and Tobacco. As an active member of the local Kiwanis Club, he created "Kiwanis Reads in Schools" (KRIS) to supply tutors for First Graders at St. Martinville Early Learning Center who experienced Reading difficulties.

Larry was also a gifted athlete who served as Basketball coach and assistant Football coach during his years at St. Martinville Junior High.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 54 years, Sarah Marsh de Valcourt Roy, sister-in-law Ina Roy, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters and brothers- in-law Stella Roy Coleman (John Stuart, Jr.), Doris Roy Melancon (James "Mike"), Katherine Roy Dawes, Marie Louise Roy Langlois (Gerald), one brother, Clement Eli "Bud" Roy, Jr. and nieces Leslie Roy and Jane Coleman Preston (Dave).

Visitation will take place from 9 am to 11 am, Saturday, October 24, 2026, at St. Martin De Tours Catholic Church in St, Martinville with rosary beginning at 9:45 am. A memorial Mass officiated by Rev. Jason Vidrine and concelebrated by Rev. Aberlardo Gabriel, S.V.D. will be celebrated at 11 am.

The family request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Larry's name to Grand Coteau Retreats, 313 E M.L.K. Drive, Grand Coteau, La 70541.

The family also expresses deep thanks to special care givers John, Judy, Lisa, Mike, Patsy, Tina, the staff of Consolata Home and Hospice of Acadiana for their loving and support of Larry and Sarah during his final months.

Since Larry donated his body to LSU Medical School in New Orleans, a private inurnment in St. Michael's Columbarium in St. Martinville will take place at a later date