The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Stranger to none and friend to many, “Big” John Douglas Landry of Port Neches passed away peacefully while holding his beloved wife’s hand on Jan. 10 at Bonne Vie in Port Arthur at the age of 80.

He shared his life with Judi Slack Landry since their first date to a Boy Scout Christmas party in the sixth grade. They were married for 59 years.

Big John was a star running back for St. Mary’s Catholic School football team in 1956-57, a semi-pro football tight end for Beaumont Golden Vikings 1960-61, played for the Lake Charles pelicans, and was the Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion in 1961.

His trade as a pipefitter and welder in the oil and gas industry took him across the country, from St. Croix Virgin Islands to the Alaskan pipeline, and with many other stops along the way. He officially retired from working full-time in the industry after serving as “Boss Man” for decades to countless individuals. Even though officially retired, he never stopped keeping busy with something. His passions included horses, football, cooking, citrus trees, fishing, cruises, dancing and playing cards.

Big John invented lanyard plugs for the industrial industry and established his business, Plugs Etc., in 2004. He continued fulfilling orders until his last breath.

His favorite and most proud title was that of Paw Paw. He never missed a livestock show, sporting event, school performance or any other special occasion where he could show up and joyfully support his grandchildren.  

Big John was a loving husband, nurturing father, doting grandfather, dedicated worker and an extraordinary friend. He had a remarkable ability to see the best in others, never passed judgement and deeply believed in never giving up on people. His impact on the lives of those who knew him, especially those he refused to give up on, will never be forgotten. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis Landry and Viola Boudreaux Landry; and siblings Walter Louis Landry, Alton Phillip Landry, Sophie Beulah Landry, Dora Viola Grinstead, Raymond David Landry, LJ Landry, Thomas Edward Landry, Eugene Landry, Leroy James Landry, Betty Nell Moore, Robert Carroll Landry, Roger Dale Landry, and Charles Wynne Landry.

He is survived by his wife, Judi Landry, and his daughter Molly Landry of Port Neches, granddaughter Lacey Lively of Bryan, grandson Johnny Lively, daughter-in-law Haleigh Lively, and great grandson Carson Lively of Beaumont, his fur babies, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, the family asks that you treat others as Big John treated you. Lend that helping hand, give people second chances, provide strength and encouragement, light up rooms you enter with joy and laughter, and approach life with a playful demeanor.  

“Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone.” - unknown

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. The family is holding a private Celebration of Life ceremony.