Jimmy Benoit

On July 11, 2025, Wendell "Jimmy" Benoit left this Earth and ran straight into the arms of his Savior. For those who knew him, you understand what a fantastic feat this was...but then again this was nothing new for Jimmy.

He began his life on January 11, 1944, born to Claude and Naomi Benoit, with a hole in his heart. Open heart surgery was not yet a thing, but that didn't hold Jimmy back. He simply defied the odds and waited thirteen years to become the first completely successful open heart surgery patient. He went on to graduate from Roanoke High School. He worked as a welder and then sold welding supplies until he retired.

He married his high school sweetheart, Margie Moore, in 1965 and spent 60 wonderful years together. Their union brought one child, Melissa Benoit Harper (David), four grandchildren, Savannah Osborn, Camille Harper, Andrew Harper and Hannah Broussard. He also had four great-grandchildren, Eden Harper, Aniyah Broussard-Harper, Charlie Osborn and Maverick Osborn.

He served as a volunteer firefighter, church trustee and a Deacon at First Baptist Welsh. He lived a long, happy life enjoying his coffee club and 'cheating' at Chicken Foot on Tuesday nights. He loved people and was loved by so many. Jimmy never met a stranger and never went on a vacation where he didn't find someone he knew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charlie; and his youngest granddaughter, Hannah.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Margie Benoit, his daughter, Missy Harper, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his sister, Hilda Mc Pherson (Robert) He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jimmy was also survived by a special friend and daughter-at heart, Teresa Cummings.

We will begin celebrating Jimmy's life on Monday, July 14th from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Welsh First Baptist in Welsh, LA. Visitation will continue from 9:00 am on Tuesday until Jimmy's final celebration, which begins at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, in the church with Rev. Pat Deshotel officiating.

Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Welsh under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.