James Terry

Heaven opened its gates for an angel. James Marshall Terry entered the gates of heaven early Tuesday Morning May 10, 2022.  Marshall was born August 4, 1946 in Decatur, Alabama.  He attended Decatur Grammar and Decatur High School.  After graduating from high school, he learned about hard work helping physically build interstates in Alabama.  He started his college education at Athens College until he was called to duty by his country.  After serving in the U. S. Army, he wasted no time continuing his education at University of Alabama. ROLL TIDE. His first full time job after college was as general manager in the apparel industry. He was an avid Alabama fan and attended every game possible.  Marshall graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in Human Relations.  In 1975, he visited friends living in New Orleans and immediately fell in love with this city. He wasted no time and moved to New Orleans in 1976.  He began his career in New Orleans working for ODECO in Human Relations and worked with them for many years. During that time, he also taught safety working on oil rigs in the gulf.  He continued his education earning a Masters Degree from Troy University. He continued his career in the oil industry working with Boeing, Murphy Oil, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.  He always joked about starting his career drilling for oil and finishing putting oil back in the ground for reserve.  He would put on this act of being grumpy but he was a wonderful, kind and Big Hearted Teddy Bear. Marshall was known for his quick wit, his very long stories and his unbelievable knowledge on any given subject.  He loved Jeopardy.  If he was ever a contestant, he would have won many times.  He was witnessed knowing more and faster than most of the contestants on the show.  He loved his family,  loved meeting new people and loved the Finest Dining Restaurants in the city.  He was an avid art collector and loved gardening.  There were occasions where films were shot in his front garden or the backyard. Many couples asked if his yard could be used as a background for their wedding photos.  He had many hobbies.  He loved reading, he bred and raised parrots, He was a member of the Orleans Rose Society and the Jefferson Orchid Society. He also loved traveling.  Two of his favorite places being Paris and Costa Rica.  He would like to recognize Dr. Lama.  He had seen many doctors over the years and only Dr. Lama got his health under control and was genuinely concerned for him.  Marshall loved Family Reunions and visiting with neighbors in his Garden District home.  He truly loved all of his neighbors who had become very good friends.  Marshall is survived by his Husband, Kenneth M. Loria. He was preceded in death by his father, Casey Terry, his mother, Sarah Lou Terry, and his brothers Raymond Scotty Terry and Roy Glenn Terry. He is also survived by his sisters, Patty Ann Curtis, Sarah Elizabeth Ward, Theryn Terry Burford, and Bonita Sue Monzingo, and brother Dennis Wayne Terry.  He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 on Monday, May 16, 2022.  Visitation from 10 AM -12 PM with a service at 12:15 PM.  Family and friends are invited to the Garden District home after the service for refreshments and reminiscing.  Because of his love of gardening, friends and family are welcome to send flowers or plants to the funeral home or directly to his home.  Visit schoenfh.com to sign the guest registry and share a memory.  
 

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