James William Lavin Jr.

James William Lavin, Jr. “Coach”, a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of River Ridge, LA, died at the age of 86 on Friday, January 15, 2021. He was born on November 3, 1934 to the late James Lavin, Sr. and Gladys Hammant Lavin. James grew up in New Orleans with his siblings, Peggy Lavin Schaeffer and the late Charles Lavin, and attended Warren Easton High School. He earned a Bachelor’s in Education at LSU where he lettered in football and track & field and was one of the first Chinese Bandits under Coach Dietzel. After playing professional football for the Dallas Texans and serving in the U.S. Army, he met Juanita McDermott in New Orleans. They married in her home town of Dubuque, Iowa in August of 1963. Continuing his passion for learning, he then earned 3 Master’s degrees - one from the University of Iowa and then returning home to New Orleans to earn the other two at Loyola University. As a coach and educator for more than 40 years, he had a profound and lasting impact on so many lives. He loved his family, friends, football, and of course - his martini and cigar.
Coach is survived by his wife of 57 years, Juanita McDermott Lavin; his daughter, Stephanie Lavin Dublin (John); his sons, James William Lavin, III (Sarah) and Mitchell McDermott Lavin (Christy); 6 grandchildren: Paige, Corey, & Kaylee Dublin and Brittany, Emily, & Garrett Lavin; and great-grandchild: James Price.
A visitation will be held at St. Matthew the Apostle Church, 10021 Jefferson Hwy. River Ridge, LA 70123 on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon followed by a Mass. Interment will be held at a later date in Hope Mausoleum. A memorial donation can be made to St. Matthew the Apostle School at http://www.smaschool.net.

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