James Matthew Fayard, Sr.

James Matthew "Jimmie" Fayard, Sr., was born on February 1, 1952 in Biloxi, MS and passed away October 20, 2008 after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. He was of the Catholic Faith and embraced his cross until the very end. He graduated from D'Iberville High School in 1970. He was President of Fayard Bros., Inc. and Vice-President of Fayard's Po-boys, also known as Fayard's B.P. Jimmie was a caring and generous business man who believed in giving. He began his career at the age of 12 years old when he worked at Taranto's Curb Market. He also worked a short time as a painter before purchasing The D'Iberville Curb Market in 1983 with his brothers and business partners. In 1985 he co-founded Fayard's B.P. which is recognized by many coast wide. Jimmie enjoyed sports from little league to playing and managing the Budweiser Men's softball team for many years. At a later age he took up golf and went on to become a three time Club Champion of Gulf Hills Golf Club. His main love in his life was being with family and friends. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone he met. Jimmie emulated his life after Mr. Julius Taranto Sr. and Mr Glen Cothern who, through their example, showed Jimmie the importance of respect, caring, and compassion for all people. Jimmie was preceded in death by his oldest son, James M. "Little Jimmie" Fayard, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Lynn (Stevenson) Fayard of St. Martin, his children, Christopher R. Fayard of Biloxi, Joshua A. Fayard, Nicholas Thibodeaux, Ashton Thibodeaux, and Lauren Quave, all of St. Martin, his parents, Elvis L. and Marie D. (Vuyovich) Fayard of D'Iberville, his brothers, Elvas (Barbara) Fayard, Keith (Delores) Fayard, of Biloxi, one sister, Dorinda Fayard of D'Iberville, one grandson, Maddox J. Fayard of Ocean Springs, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends who will miss him dearly. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D'Iberville at 1:00 p.m. where friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in D'Iberville Memorial Park. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone who gave love, support and prayers through this difficult journey, especially to Sister Kim, who brought him Holy Communion daily, Ronnie and Darnell Iachino, Hospice of Light of Ocean Springs, Father Bob Higginbotham, Father Dennis Harlow and Father Patrick McDermott along with all other Clergy from the Diocese who visited. Special thanks to everyone at Charter Bank who gave Johnnie and Jimmie the greatest gift of all … TIME. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the St. Vincent De Paul Society of Sacred Heart Parish. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes, Howard Avenue, Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com