James "Sonny" Honea

JAMES R.“SONNY” HONEA
After a battle with cancer, Sonny passed away peacefully on January 18, 2021 at the age of 79 with his wife Sandra W. Honea and his son James R. “Jay” Honea, Jr. by his side. He was laid to rest on Friday, January 22, 2021 with Military Honors in the company of family and friends. He was born in New Hebron, Mississippi and later in life moved to Belle Chasse where he remained. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra W. Honea, his son, James R.”Jay” Honea, Jr.; his daughter-in-law, Laura Miller Honea; his granddaughter, Haylie R. Honea and his grandson Gavin S. Burton. Other survivors include daughter Melissa, four grandsons, Brendon, Ashten, Landin and Justin; sister, Margie Delaney of Mississippi; brother Robert “Bobby” Honea of Mississippi; half brother, Victor Dale Dickerson of Mississippi and several nephews, nieces, and other relatives. Preceded in death by his daughter, Sunny Lynne Honea; his parents, Jim and Mildred Honea; half sister, Mary Jo Cooper of Huntsville, AL and Father- in- law and Mother-in-law, Albert and Maude White of Braithwaite, LA.
Sonny joined the Mississippi Army National Guard and received an Honorable Discharge as a Private E-2 and transferred to the Louisiana Army National Guard where he received an Honorable Discharge as a Sgt. E-5. He recently became a member of the American Legion. He was employed by the Belle Chasse Water Works and in 1969 he joined the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s staff as an Investigator. He held different positions within the office but his latest position he helped implement and run the Pre-trial Diversion Program until his retirement at the end of 2008. He had a total of 48 years employment with Plaquemines Parish. During his years with the District Attorney’s Office he was a member of the National District Attorneys’ Association, Louisiana District Attorneys’ Association and was a Board Member of the Investigator Section of the Louisiana District Attorneys’ Association. He also represented the D.A. at Parole and Pardon Board hearings. During his tenure with the District Attorney’s Office, he attended many seminars to enhance his knowledge in the positions bestowed upon him. After retiring from the D.A.’s Office, he was employed by Judge Joy Lobrano until her election to a higher court. He was appointed to the Plaquemines Parish Zoning Board on February 28, 2007 and resigned on January 4, 2021 due to his illness. During those years, he served as Vice-Chairman for a while. No matter what his role was, he always gave it his very best. He accepted the challenges and was always dedicated. He was President of the Belle Chasse Youth Recreation Booster Club for 2 years. He was also a member of the Belle Chasse High School Baseball Booster Club. He helped construct the concession stand by the baseball field. His latest past time was honey bees. He found them interesting and bought a book on honey bees and would read it everyday. A couple of years ago he became a Beekeeper with the coaching of a friend. The day he extracted his first honey he was excited. He could talk about bees to anyone who would listen. If you ever met him, he was unforgettable. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved helping people. He didn’t like controversy, but stood his ground. He will forever be in our hearts. May he rest in peace. The Funeral Service was held at Mothe Funeral Home, Harvey, LA, and interment was at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery, Belle Chasse, LA. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com .