Begbie
James Lorne Begbie was born in Shreveport on Nov. 14, 1949 and lived an animated and creative life until Friday, March 11, 2016 in Minden. His gregarious and spontaneous personality filled each year with life to its fullest. His confidence and enthusiasm were contagious.
To celebrate Jim’s life, a memorial Eucharist will be celebrated at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minden on March 22, 2016 at 11 a.m. and officiated by the Rev. D. Frank Hughes. A small reception will follow.
Jim was proud of his graduation from Sewanee Military Academy in 1967. His education continued at Louisiana Tech where he was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order with friendships lasting his lifetime. After graduation, Jim returned to Shreveport, to become the third generation in his family’s business, Begbie Florist. Founded in 1905 by his grandparents, it was the oldest and largest florist in Shreveport. Jim was active in local civic and social organizations. He was especially proud of his work with Holiday In Dixie, serving as president in 1983. He served on Shreveport’s Metropolitan Planning Commission for three years, one year as chairman.
Expanding a catering business, Jim opened popular restaurants in Shreveport, Colorado Springs, and Denver, earned the title of “Master Chef” and served as Executive Chef for Lufthansa Airlines’ Sky Chefs. He returned to Shreveport in 2004 and retired to Minden in 2008.
Faced with the probability of lifetime health issues, Jim made personal medical decisions for himself. The inevitable was to lose his war to multiple health problems. His final goal was to be a chef again. Jim would be extremely surprised to know that his life continues in the hearts of everyone who ever sat at his table and shared his food and stories. His enthusiasm is still contagious.
Left to honor Jim’s life are his wife, Vicci, brother Albert J. Begbie and wife Dianne; niece Carrie Westerfield, and family, and son James E. Begbie. Preceded in death are his paternal grandparents, James W. Begbie, Sr. and wife Jessie and his parents, James W. Begbie, Jr. and wife Daisy.
The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph E. Bolger, Fresenius Medical Care, and Town and Country Health and Rehab for excellent care. Deepest gratitude goes to Dr. Richard Campbell and Fr. Frank Hughes for years of unrelenting love, friendship, and counsel during our difficult journey.