James A. Theriot

St. Martinville- Private services were held for James A. Theriot, 90, who passed away peacefully at his home.

James Theriot was born and grew up in St. Martinville, where he attended St. Martinville Senior High School. He graduated in 1953 with honors. After graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Campaign, and was honorably discharged after four years of service. In 1969, he enrolled at the University of Southwestern Louisiana at Lafayette, to work on his degree in education. 

James was very active in Rotary International. He served as President of the St. Martinville Rotary Club and in 1972, was King of the Mardi Gras Ball.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, and a member of the American Legion. He was also a charter member of the St. Martinville Jaycees, Woodman of the World and for several years served on the Fourth of July Committee. 

Mr. Theriot was also a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus. He served his church as President of the Parish Council, served as Eucharistic Minister, Lector and for many years in the church choir. He was also a choir member of the Acadian Memorial Choir and served as a tour guide for the Petit Paris Museum. He also served as President for the Association of Retarded Citizens for St. Martin Parish.

James served on the committee for the restoration of St. Martin de Tours Church. He also worked with the Cub Scouts and served as assistant Cub Scout leader.

James served as Chief Deputy Clerk of Court of St. Martin Parish for fifteen years. For twenty years, he successfully and effectively served as St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court. During his administration, he completed several projects which have served to update the clerk's office to one of the most efficient in the state. 

On a state level, James served on several influential committees. He served as a member of the State Board of Election Supervisors, a member of the Historical Commission for the State of Louisiana and also serve as President of the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association in 1986.

On the national level, James served as Treasurer of the International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers. 

With all these achievements, James was best known as a family man. He was married to the former Beranger Daspit and the father of six children and 11 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Survivors include his children; three sons, Keith Theriot and husband, Rob of Orlando, FL, Andrew Theriot and wife, Cheria of St. Martinville, and Domannic Theriot and wife, Brittany of Breaux Bridge; two daughters, Leslie Castille of Pensacola, FL, and Jessica Dubroc and husband Davy of Youngsville; and eleven grandchildren, Tiffany Toucheque, Matthew Rubenstien, Halli Castille, Lindsey Castille, Brock Theriot, Halen Theriot, Ahna Dubroc, Andre' Dubroc, Sophie, Caroline and Elijah Theriot; three great grandchildren, Noah LeBlanc, Camille LeBlanc, and Violette Bennette; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Beranger Daspit Theriot; his parents, Cecile Johnson and Moise Theriot; daughter, Pamala Theriot; a brother, Horace Theriot; and his sisters Dorothy Rains and Doris Wolf. 

Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of the arrangements.