James Paul Blanchard

James Paul Blanchard ("Jim"), 54, went to be with Our Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 28th. He was taken from us abruptly in a tragic motorcycle accident and, while we are reeling from the shock and loss, we are placing our trust in the infinite wisdom of the Lord. Jim was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Joseph and Carol Olivier Blanchard. He was one of 4 children. He met his wife, Leslie, when they were 18 and were both attending Louisiana State University. They were married for 33 years and have 5 children - Emilie Blanchard Wedman, Mollie Blanchard Cearley, Sallie Grace Blanchard, James Paul Blanchard and John Thomas Blanchard. Leslie and Jim recently welcomed their first grandchild into the world - Luke Joseph Wedman. Jim was a devoted family man. He really had no other hobbies or distractions outside of work and family until he recently rediscovered his passion for motorcycles. His wife and children were his hobbies his entire life. He was in the restaurant business in one capacity or the other since he started bussing tables at the age of 13. At the time of his death he had been a partner with the Hal Smith Restaurant Group for 24 years. He felt so proud and blessed to be a part of Charlestons and Mahogany Prime Steakhouse and the enormous fraternity of people who ran that entire family of restaurants. He is survived by his wife Leslie, their 5 children and their grandson. He is also survived by his mother Carol Olivier Blanchard, his brother Joseph Louis Blanchard, his sister Catherine Childers (Bruce), his sister Suzanne Rivere, his aunts Marie Licciardi and Paulette Nelson, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim didn't have a favorite charity, but rather looked for opportunities in daily life to make a difference in the life of a person in need. In lieu of flowers, you will be honoring his memory when you do the same.