James Leon Birchfield

James Leon Birchfield, 58, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, while visiting relatives in North Carolina. He was born to Dr. and Mrs. Wray Birchfield on June 2, 1962 and was the youngest of three sons. He was born and raised in Baton Rouge and enjoyed fishing and hunting in the bayou with his brothers and his Dad. His favorite place to go fishing with his family was Grand Isle. For several years he worked as a “driller” with a soil sampling company, then as a heating and air conditioning technician, and recently employed with Parker Marine Services. James (Jimmy Leon) loved the mountains of North Carolina and came to work a few weeks on his family land, fondly called the “Holler,” where his grandfather had built a cabin many years ago. He was planning to move to North Carolina when he retired. He was a fun-loving person who was always smiling and telling funny tales about his brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. His dance moves to “Copperhead Road” will long be remembered by all who knew him. Jimmy Leon loved all the food at the Birchfield Family reunions, especially Aunt Helen’s green beans and fried chicken. He was a faithful fan of the LSU Tigers all his life, since his father was a professor at LSU for twenty-five years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sondra Birchfield, father, Dr. Wray Birchfield, his mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Marie Theresa Mosier, and a brother, Leslie Clay Birchfield. He is survived by his daughters, Kandi Birchfield: her children, Isaiah, Alexandra and Angel, daughter Madison Watts: her children, Dawson and Leah, and daughter Cynthia Elizabeth. He is also survived by his brother Wray Birchfield, sister-in-law Kimberley Gray: their children, Josh, Brock, and Chelsea, several great nieces and nephews, and a large family of cousins, aunts, and uncles in North Carolina. Pallbearers will be Wray Birchfield, Josh Birchfield, Brock Birchfield, Ted Reeder, Donnie Smith, Seth Szymanski, Trey Trabeaux and Cole Watts. There was a saying that Jimmy Leon often shared with his nephews, Josh, and Brock. It is a memory they will keep for a lifetime. “Get your knees up high, spread your wings and fly, we will see you when times get better.” James Leon Birchfield flew into the arms of his father and mother, and his older brother Leslie clay. May their glorious reunion fill our hearts with happiness and give us comfort in the years to come. “Don’t weep for me” he would have said, “For I am with my Dad, I have missed him so, and could not let go, so rejoice and don’t be sad.”