James Willie Gooden

James Willie ‘Black’ Gooden, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at the age of 94. “To everything there is a season, and to every purpose under the Heavens” Ecc. 3:1 A time to be born: James was born November 24, 1927 to the parentage of James Gooden of Ama, Louisiana and Carrie Hudson of Brookhaven, Mississippi. He was the older of two children. A time to learn: He attended New Orleans public school system finishing at Booker T. Washington High School. A time to love: He met Estelle Banks, the lady he would spend the rest of his life. They shared 50 plus years together. He was a father to Larry and Kenneth Banks. A time to labor: He was an over the road truck driver. He was employed by the following companies, Braswell, Baggett Freight and Evans Cooperage. While at Evans, he was awarded the certification for 10 million miles without a chargeable accident. After retirement from trucking, he secured a job with Vinson Guard Security Company as an armed guard. He loved whatever job he was assigned to do. A time to remember: Precious memories – how they linger. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Carrie; his father-in-law, Sam Banks, Sr.; mother-in-law, Schewedia Banks; his in-laws, Kenneth, Joe, Sam, Jr., Elijah Banks and Delores B. Conner. He leaves behind his wife, Estelle; his son, Larry; his sister, Elizabeth Gooden of San Francisco, CA; his sisters-in-law, Susie and Hattie Banks of Columbia SC, his godchild, Patricia Bagent, Rene Purnell and Susie Carmel; a cousin Dorothy Martin and her sons. He was a die hard Saints fan. He was the unofficial coach, owner, manager and sometimes, the player in his recliner. His life included many facets. He loved life, but his greatest joy was his Masonic affiliations. He was a member of Eureka Consistory # 7, Constantine Commandery # 1 Knights of Templar, HPP Platta Temple # 15, Shriners, Radiant Chapter # 1 Holy Royal Arch Masons and Richmond Lodge # 1. On February 15, 2022 he was awarded the title of Honorary Past Grand Master by Dr. Ralph Slaughter, Grand Worshipful Master, Prince Grand Lodge, F & AM Louisiana Jurisdiction. He served his country in the Army during WWII and the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged as SP3 (P). He was a lifetime member of both the American Legion Post 222 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 7307, both of Marrero, LA. He was very active in the Marrero Senior Citizens Gild and was the first king of the guild. He was past President of Lincolnshire Civic Association. Special thanks to the staff of Omni Homecare, especially Kay and Shawn; Passages Hospice, especially Anthony Chrisitana, Star Atchison and Lynette Jackson; Dr. Vockroth, Target Pharmacy (Manhattan), and every other doctor who helped during his illness. Relatives and friends of the family, pastor, officers and members of St. Peter AME Church (Cadiz), all Prince Hall Masonic Bodies, also residents of Paine Drive in Marrero, LA and the Community Center of Marrero, LA are invited to attend the Funeral Service at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 3:30 pm. Attendance is limited and everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Interment will be at a later date. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.