Jim Brashier

Jim Eley Brashier, 70, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving children and family.

Born March 11, 1954 in Hattiesburg, MS to Jimmy C. Brashier and Peggy Eley Brashier. Jim’s family roots were tied to Biloxi, MS when his parents moved there in 1958. He attended Biloxi High School in Biloxi, MS and graduated with the class of ‘72.

Upon graduation, he attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA earning a degree in accounting. In 1984, he passed the Louisiana CPA exam and received his Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation in 1988. Following Jim’s graduation from Nicholls State University, he began his insurance career with Aetna Casualty and Surety Company in 1980 and was the Regional Supervisor for the Surety Bond Department in New Orleans, LA.

He met the love of his life, Mary Linden Bourgeois, while they both were working at the Aetna Insurance Co. in New Orleans. Soon thereafter, they moved to Jim’s hometown in Biloxi, MS where they remained and had 3 loving children, Dewey Brashier Mason, James Eley Brashier, and Linden Analise Brashier Riggins.

In 1985 Jim began his agency career as a bond and insurance producer with Stewart Sneed Hewes / The Insurance Center working under the late Jack Thompson. Eventually Jim became a partner in the company and was influential to their acquisition to BancorpSouth Bank in 1999, which was later acquired and now known as Cadence Insurance, A Gallagher Company. He retired in November of 2023 as Regional President Emeritus. During that time, he was dedicated to serving his clients and employees for over 50 years. In addition, he was influential in the bonding industry and helped guide emerging and leading contractors across the South East Region.

Jim was a member of the following professional organizations; Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi, Associated Builders and Contractors, Surety Association of America, National Association of Casualty and Surety Agents, National Association of Surety Bond Producers, and Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Jim has served on the following boards and committees; CNA Insurance Agents Advisory Committee, St. Paul Insurance Company Agents Advisory Committee, and Legislative Committee of National Association of Surety Bond Producers.

Jim Brashier loved his community and was a longtime member of the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church. He was in involved in several civic organizations along the Gulf Coast: Biloxi’s Businessman Club, Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Biloxi Yacht Club, Gulf Coast Carnival Association, and Order of Mithras Carnival Association. He served on the board for the Biloxi Development Commission, Biloxi Election Commission and the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. He reigned as King D’Iberville “The Voodoo King” of Gulf Coast Carnival Association in 2003 and was a Duke in 2001. He was President of Mithras Carnival Association in 2010.

Jim was always up for an adventure whether it was traveling the world, hunting, attending concerts, or trips to the French Quarter. His mantra truly was “Let the Good Times Roll” as he created unforgettable memories with family and friends. Jim had many lovable characteristics, but the one we will miss the most is his mischievous grin. His sense of humor and Linden’s affectionate laugh could always provide great joy to whomever was around. Their love for each other was one of a kind. They both were devoted parents and grandparents, which he was affectionately known as Big Poppa by his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linden Bourgeois Brashier, daughter, Mary Elise Brashier; parents, Jimmy Curtis Brashier and Peggy Eley Brashier; Mother and Father In-law, St. Paul Bourgeois III and Rose Beverly Chew Butler Bourgeois; Sister In-law, Elizabeth Tarleton Bourgeois Sovine; Niece Nicole Elise Bourgeois.

He is survived by his three children; daughter, Dewey Brashier Mason (Patrick) of Biloxi, MS; son, James Eley Brashier (Courtney) of New Orleans, LA; daughter, Linden Analise Brashier Riggins (Matthew) of Biloxi, MS; his granddaughters, Elise Rose and Margaux Eley Mason and Linden Penelope Riggins; and service dog Rudy.

He is also survived by his two brothers and sister, Robert Allen Brashier (Rebecca) of Gulfport, MS, Mitchel Lloyd Brashier (Julie) of St. Francisville, LA, Meribeth Brashier of Watersound, FL; brother and sister in-laws, St. Paul Bourgeois IV (Sharon) of Lafayette, LA, Ronnie Sovine of Jeanerette, LA; Sidney Joseph Bourgeois of Jeanerette, LA, Samuel Butler Bourgeois (Carolyn) of Baton Rouge, LA, Katherine Ormond Bourgeois (Thomas) of Lafayette, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Friday September 20, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 870 Howard Ave, Biloxi, with the visitation for family and friends starting at 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park, Biloxi.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in the memory of Jim Brashier to Nativity BVM Elementary School.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jim Eley Brashier.