Haidie Mae James

BASILE-It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Haidie Mae Miller James announces her passing on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the age of 86. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Basile, La. Entombment will follow in the St. Augustine Mausoleum with Father Keenan Brown serving as Celebrant.

Haidie Mae, born on October 18, 1938, to the late Adam and Agnes Langley Miller, radiated warmth and kindness throughout her life. A devoted member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, she took great joy in her involvement with the Ladies Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters. Haidie's community spirit was evident as she served as a proud member of the Louisiana Swine Festival Association, even gracing the title of past Grand Marshal of the Louisiana Swine Festival Parade. Many fondly remember her as a past owner of Chunkie’s Drive-In in Basile, where she brought joy and nourishment to many. Beyond her commitments to church and community, Haidie cherished the simple pleasures of life. She found joy in tending to her yard, working on crafts, and cooking delicious meals. Her heart truly thrived in the company of her family and grandchildren, where laughter and love filled their time together. Mornings spent sipping coffee with friends brought her moments of peace and connection that she treasured deeply.

Haidie will be missed by all, especially her children, Charles James and companion, Madonna Brown of Basile, Greg James and wife, Shelly of Basile, Janell James Ashford and husband, Kenneth of Basile, Cindy James Smith and husband, Duane of Swords, Evelyn James LeBleu and husband, Gary of Basile, and Madeline James Battles and husband, Kirk of Center, TX; her brother, Gerald Miller and wife, Germaine of Cankton; her sister, Helena Putnam and husband, Mike of Basile; her Godson, Errol Miller of Lake Arthur; and her thirty-five grandchildren, seventy-five great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; as well as extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Everett James; her son, Kenneth James; her daughter, Catherine James Fontenot; her parents; her brother, Stafford Miller; and a grandson, Jake James.

As we gather to celebrate Haidie’s life, a visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm and again on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 7:00 am until 10:30 am. The Catholic Daughters will pray a Rosary at 6:00 pm on Wednesday. We invite everyone to view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Basile is in charge of arrangements, located at 1210 South Ryan, (337) 432-6726.