James Tatman

Opelousas- A Funeral Service will be held for James “Jim” Tatman on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel in Opelousas. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Pastor Vinnie Bullara will officiate the funeral service. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in the Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jim age 91, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022, at Avanti Assisted Living in Lafayette.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Jim was a lifelong resident of the Opelousas area. While raising his young family with his wife, Louise, he got his start as a butcher at Sanders Grocery. He then excelled as a salesman for United Gas Company for 14 years.

He opened Jim Tatman Mobile Homes in 1968. His wry sense of humor was on full display in his locally famous commercials, always ending with his catch-phrase, “We Gotcha.”

He loved to travel, primarily to bluegrass festivals, in the various busses he owned over the years. Every departure was announced to anyone within ear shot through a bus horn rendition of “On The Road Again.”

Jim was very active in the local community. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Opelousas, Elks Lodge, Lions Club and Humble Cottage Lodge #19. Jim was a longtime member in the Louisiana Manufactured Home Association, holding various leadership positions over the years.

He never lost the mischievous twinkle in his eye. Jim could captivate a room with his easy wit and story telling, while making you feel welcome with natural hospitality. While Jim will be greatly missed, his legacy lives on through the many friends and family inspired by him

Jim is survived by his daughters, Donna Tatman Inhern (Charles), Sissy Tatman, Doris Tatman Cates (JD), and Amy Tatman Bernard (Brent), eleven grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Louise Price Tatman, his parents, Abner Earl Tatman and Tommy Greenlee Tatman, three brothers, Wilson Tatman, AE Buddy Tatman, and Jacob Paul (JP) Tatman. One sister, Edna Ryder.

Pallbearers are Ryan Park, Daniel Baker, Chris Baker, Tucker Bullara, Beau Bernard, Tatman Bernard.

Honorary Pallbearers are Brock Bullara and Hayden Theriot.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any donations to be made to Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services. https://lumcfs.org/

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.