Stranger to none and friend to many, “Big” John Douglas Landry of Port Neches passed away peacefully while holding his beloved wife’s hand on Jan. 10 at Bonne Vie in Port Arthur at the age of 80.
He shared his life with Judi Slack Landry since their first date to a Boy Scout Christmas party in the sixth grade. They were married for 59 years.
Big John was a star running back for St. Mary’s Catholic School football team in 1956-57, a semi-pro football tight end for Beaumont Golden Vikings 1960-61, played for the Lake Charles pelicans, and was the Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion in 1961.
His trade as a pipefitter and welder in the oil and gas industry took him across the country, from St. Croix Virgin Islands to the Alaskan pipeline, and with many other stops along the way. He officially retired from working full-time in the industry after serving as “Boss Man” for decades to countless individuals. Even though officially retired, he never stopped keeping busy with something. His passions included horses, football, cooking, citrus trees, fishing, cruises, dancing and playing cards.
Big John invented lanyard plugs for the industrial industry and established his business, Plugs Etc., in 2004. He continued fulfilling orders until his last breath.
His favorite and most proud title was that of Paw Paw. He never missed a livestock show, sporting event, school performance or any other special occasion where he could show up and joyfully support his grandchildren.
Big John was a loving husband, nurturing father, doting grandfather, dedicated worker and an extraordinary friend. He had a remarkable ability to see the best in others, never passed judgement and deeply believed in never giving up on people. His impact on the lives of those who knew him, especially those he refused to give up on, will never be forgotten.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis Landry and Viola Boudreaux Landry; and siblings Walter Louis Landry, Alton Phillip Landry, Sophie Beulah Landry, Dora Viola Grinstead, Raymond David Landry, LJ Landry, Thomas Edward Landry, Eugene Landry, Leroy James Landry, Betty Nell Moore, Robert Carroll Landry, Roger Dale Landry, and Charles Wynne Landry.
He is survived by his wife, Judi Landry, and his daughter Molly Landry of Port Neches, granddaughter Lacey Lively of Bryan, grandson Johnny Lively, daughter-in-law Haleigh Lively, and great grandson Carson Lively of Beaumont, his fur babies, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, the family asks that you treat others as Big John treated you. Lend that helping hand, give people second chances, provide strength and encouragement, light up rooms you enter with joy and laughter, and approach life with a playful demeanor.
“Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone.” - unknown
Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. The family is holding a private Celebration of Life ceremony.
Condolences
Sue Bowden
January 16, 2024
Brother John was bigger than life and loved living it. Family gatherings were most complete when he was present. I have so many good memories of him. A special memory was when his job brought him, Judi ND Molly to Kansas at a time when my dad was so sick with cancer. They brought joy and laughter during that hard time. Lia was 6months old and Johnny would babysit while Judi & I shopped.
Years later, Johnny would take Lia & Erica to the barn, put them on a horse and made them believe they were ready to be in the next horse show. He even made them a trophy to reinforce that belief. The girls would talk about their trip to the barn in John's pickup and laugh hysterically at his antics.
Later still, Lia's little girls came to know him as "Popcorn", a name he had them believing was his real name
My list of memories is endless and I treasure the gift of his presence in my life. Judi is in my prayers as she adjusts to her life without him. I am so very sorry for her loss.
Deacon Tommy Ewing
January 15, 2024
I pray Johnny's soul rest in the love and peace of God. He is with all of his siblings. I attended St. Mary with him and I knew his family. He is the last sibling of a great family of Landry's. He will be missed. I turn 80 in July so we are very close in our age.
Jeanne Blanco Kimball Licatino
January 15, 2024
John was a great mentor for my whole family. Thank you Judy and Molly for sharing him. Time is so precious! God Bless both of you as John BLESSED us.