Jerry J. Laborde

Jerry James Laborde passed away on July 7, 2020 around 10:25 AM peacefully, surrounded by family. He was born on September 20, 1934 to parents, Odeile Prevost and Joseph Lester Laborde in New Orleans. He had one brother, Maurice Laborde, and one sister, Marcella Laborde. Jerry is the beloved husband of Shirley D. Laborde, beloved father of Donna Cambeilh and Dionne Laborde and the beloved grandfather of Dylan Cambeilh, Taylor Cambeilh and Megan Cambeilh. Jerry was a great man in many respects. He was drafted into the Marine Corps after he graduated from De La Salle High School in New Orleans. He was in the Korean War for two years working at a base overseas. Jerry said the Marine Corps gave him the discipline he needed and for the first time in his life, he realized he could do great things, and that he was very intelligent. The truth is, Jerry was a genius. It was the Marines that taught him how to be an excellent marksman and gave him experience in electronics. Jerry stayed some more years reserve in the Marine Corps and then, left honorably. He went on to complete successfully, two years in engineering and then, earned a degree in Electronics. Mr. Laborde moved to Seattle, Washington after graduation to work for Boeing, but, missed New Orleans and soon moved back to the city he loved. He went on to enlist in the Air Force Reserve in which he worked many years and retired as a Master Sargent. He was a great Electronics Technician for the Federal Aviation Administration working at Lakefront Airport, from which he retired after many years. Around 69 years old, Mr. Laborde earned a Stationary Engineering Degree. His teacher asked him why he was enrolled because Jerry knew everything being taught and could have been an instructor himself. Mr. Laborde could fix anything that broke, however, he was humble of his abilities. When East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie had first been built in the early1970’s, there was an electrical problem that no electrician could fix. A nurse knew of Jerry and asked the hospital administration if he could look at the electrical problem; Jerry fixed the problem. When a person thinks of how a father and grandfather should be, that was Jerry. He and his beloved wife, Shirley, made the best parents in the whole world. Jerry was very compassionate, loving and generous with all the family; he often sacrificed for the benefit of others. Jerry always came to the rescue and loved to help others; he was a hero. He had a good sense of humor and his motto was, “I will try”, as he was self-taught in all his abilities fixing anything and everything. Mr. Laborde was a man of integrity. He was the kind of person who never gave up on those he loved. To say he will be missed is the greatest understatement, but with blessed assurance, such a godly man went to heaven and met the Greatest Father, God, who said to him, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at JACOB SCHOEN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 on Friday, July 17, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com. “Due to the current restriction in Orleans Parish, only a limited number of relatives and friends are allowed to attend the funeral services and are required to practice social distancing as well as wear face coverings at the funeral home. The family is grateful for your understanding and compassion.”

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