OPELOUSAS – Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Bellevue Street Baptist Church in Opelousas, LA for Mr. James Tatman Jr., 92, who entered eternal rest on Monday, May 20, 2024 at his residence in Opelousas, LA. Interment will be in Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, 2112 Cottonpatch Rd., Whiteville, LA.

Rev. Brian Alfred, Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, will be officiating the funeral service.

Mr. Tatman was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was an educator for 31 years with the St. Landry Parish School System. He was a member of the Louisiana Education Association and National Education Association. He served as President of St. Landry Parish Teacher Education Association. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #529. He received The City of Opelousas Vision 2000 Award.

Mr. Tatman’s memories are being cherished by: his three sons, James Wayne (Debra) Tatman Sr. of Baker, LA, Michael (Linda) Tatman of Carencro, LA and Ronald (Eula) Tatman of Grovetown, GA; two daughters, Debra Fruge and Kathy Meullione, both of Opelousas, LA; one brother, Foster Tatmon Sr. of Port Arthur, TX; one sister, Thelma Forsythe of Opelousas, LA; ten grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Mr. Tatman is preceded in death by: his wife, Shirley Brooks Tatman; his parents, James and Ida Hall Tatman, Sr.; two sons, Launey and Laney Tatman; five brothers, Daley, Harold, Aaron, Murphy and Alton Tatman; and two sisters, Jonnie Mae LeBlanc and Rosemary Brown.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Bellevue Street Baptist Church.

Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com

Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market St., Opelousas, LA, (337) 942-6750, is in charge of arrangements.