Jules Edward Simoneaux Jr.

Jules Edward Simoneaux, Jr., born February 20, 1927, died peacefully in his sleep after a prolonged illness, at age 91, on April 5, 2018.
Jules leaves behind two sisters, Rowena (Simoneaux) Walsh and Alice (Simoneaux) Godbold, his beloved spouse of 69 years, Anna (Nancy O’Donnell) Simoneaux, his four children, Jules E. Simoneaux III, Theresa (Simoneaux) Wyatt, Peter G. Simoneaux, and Catherine M. Simoneaux, son-in-law, Robert Wyatt, daughters-in-law, Ronda Rossley and Linda (Dadik) Simoneaux, grandchildren, Adam F. Wyatt, Nina R. Simoneaux and Marie A. Simoneaux, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jules E. Simoneaux and Nettie Picou, his brother, Henry A. Simoneaux, sister, Barbara S. Waters, and brothers-in-law, John Waters, Robert Walsh, and Jerry Godbold.
Jules was a native New Orleanian, attending elementary school at Beauregard (K-2) and Sacred Heart (3-7). He was a devoted graduate of Jesuit High School (1943) and Tulane University (1948) with a B.E. in Civil Engineering. Jules served in the Navy as an Electronic Technician from 1945-46, and as an ensign in the Naval Reserve from 1946 –50. In 1949, he wed Nancy O’Donnell, with whom he enjoyed a happy and productive partnership of just over 69 years.
Following graduation from Tulane University, Jules entered the insurance business alongside his father, as an Underwriter with the Steckler Company. He obtained his CPCU certification in 1955 and went on to enjoy a lifelong career as a valued member of the Property and Casualty Insurance community. He eventually rose to Partnership in the Steckler Company, was a leader and longtime member of the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, a branch manager of the Hanover Insurance Company, and an independent insurance broker affiliated with Black, Rogers and Stone Insurance, until his retirement in 2007.
Jules was a member of Boy Scout Troop 41 where he formed a number of lifelong friendships. For many decades he was an avid sailor and devoted member of both the New Orleans and Southern Yacht Clubs. As a mentor, and a member of the Lightning and Easterly 30 class associations, and the SYC Olympic Sailing Committee, Jules was universally beloved by crew and competitors alike for his eagerness and generosity in helping friend and stranger to solve any problem that wanted fixing. In 2009, he was chosen to serve as King Neptune of The Bards of The Bilges Carnival Ball, of the Southern Yacht Club.
Jules was for many decades a devoted member of the St Dominic Parish church choir in Lakeview. Even more than sailing, singing, especially to the piano accompaniment of his beloved wife Nancy, was one of his greatest joys. Jules commanded such a vast knowledge of popular songs, that he was fondly regarded as a human jukebox. A popular challenge which he never failed was known as, “Give him a word, and he’ll sing you a song.” His love of music and song was perhaps only rivaled by his love of spoken word poetry, and the love of his family and friends. He will be missed, and remembered fondly, by all who ever had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will start at 11:00 am with a Funeral Mass beginning at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie, LA. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Following services, a reception will be held at 3:00 pm at Southern Yacht Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his memory to Jesuit High School at www.jesuitnola.org.

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