1942 - 2007
Who is this man?
He is a Son, a Brother, a Husband, an In-law, a Father, an Uncle, a Paran, he is Gramps, a Friend, a Colleague, and da Dean. He is all of these things, and so much more to all of us.
To me he is Dad, none of the others ever took priority over DAD. He taught me more about who I should be than anything else I needed to know.
This man cared about what he did and who he was because that is what a MAN for OTHERS does he makes you know how important YOU are.
This man MY DAD made a difference.
We MUST all do the same thing in our lives each and everyday,
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
With all my love
Trippy
Today my good friend Jim would have been 66 years old. He never did like to be reminded of his birthday, but that did not stop me for sending him a card and calling him on his birthday. I wanted him to know how much I loved him and our friendship. He was a very special individual who was admired, respected, and loved by many, many people. I always thought and hoped he would be around for a long time since I always enjoyed our visits together. We never had a major argument or a cross word during all the years we knew each. Our visits were always pleasant and full of fun. Jim loved to tell jokes, especially cajun ones. I loved visiting with him at Our Lady of Holy Cross College (a place he really loved) on Thursday nights, my usual night to teach there. I am still teaching on Thursday nights, but the place is not the same because Jim is not around. Whenever I am on campus, I always think about my friend and how much I miss him.
JAMES A. RABALAIS, JR
1942-2007
IT IS AN HONOR TO BE ASKED TO SPEAK ABOUT MY VERY GOOD FRIEND, JIM RABALAIS. HE HAS MANY GOOD FRIENDS. I JUST HAPPEN TO BE ONE OF THEM.
I MET JIM IN HIGH SCHOOL AT JESUIT ALMOST 50 YEARS AGO. JIM LOVED JESUIT SO MUCH THAT HE APPLIED TO ATTEND 8TH GRADE THERE, BUT DID NOT GET IN (HE SAID HE WAS NOT GOOD AT TAKING STANDARDIZED TESTS-CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!) HE WANTED TO GO THERE SO BADLY THAT HE APPLIED AGAIN FOR FRESHMAN YEAR AND SAID HE JUST MADE IT IN. HE WAS ASSIGNED TO ONE OF THE LOWER CLASSES AND HE ALWAYS TEASED ME ABOUT BEING IN THE HONOR CLASS AND HAVING TO TAKE GREEK (HE USED TO TEASE ME BY SAYING “HAS YOU DONE YOUR GREEK”). I CAN PICTURE HIM IN HEAVEN WITH HARRY TOMPSON SINGING THE BLUE JAY FIGHT SONG AND ALMA MATER. HE LOVED JESUIT A LONG TIME AND WAS ON THE PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY BOARD SO HE COULD GIVE BACK TO THE SCHOOL THAT HELPED HIM DURING HIS LIFE.
OUR FRIENDSHIP GREW GREATER WHEN WE BOTH ATTENDED LOYOLA UNIVERSITY. WE WERE IN THE PERSHING RIFLES TOGETHER AND MADE TRIPS TOGETHER FOR DRILL COMPETITION AND MARCHED IN MARDI GRAS PARADES. WE SAW EACH OTHER DAILY ON CAMPUS AND ATTENDED DANCES AND EVENTS AT LOYOLA.
WHEN JIM AND LINDA GOT MARRIED IN 1964 JIM ASKED ME TO BE IN HIS WEDDING. THEN THE TWO OF THEM WENT OFF TO FORT POLK IN THE U S ARMY AND I WENT TO FORT HUACHUCA IN THE ARMY. WHEN I CAME OUT IN 1966 AND GOT MARRIED TO MY SANDY, I ASKED JIM TO BE IN MY WEDDING.
AFTER WE WERE BOTH MARRIED SANDY, LINNY, JIM, AND I TOOK A TRIP ONE WEEKEND TO VISIT PLANTATIONS IN LOUISIANA IN HIS MUSTANG. LINNY WAS SO HOT DURING THAT TRIP, WE THOUGHT SHE MIGHT BE GETTING SICK. LITTLE DID WE KNOW THAT SHE WAS PREGNANT FOR HER SON, TRIPP.
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I THOUGHT SO MUCH OF JIM THAT WHEN MY SON, SEAN, WAS BORN IN 1974, I ASKED HIM TO BE SEAN’S GODFATHER. I COULD NOT THINK OF A BETTER MODEL FOR MY SON TO EMULATE THAN JIM. HE WAS A GREAT GODFATHER TO MY SON.
I FOLLOWED HIS WORK CAREER AT AA RABALAIS COMPANY WITH HIS FATHER, STEEL, INC., AND FINALLY AT OUR LADY OF HOLY CROSS COLLEGE. AT HOLY CROSS IS WHERE HIS TRUE GREATNESS HAD A CHANCE TO REALLY SHINE.
AT OLHCC HE WAS A GREAT TEACHER WHOSE STUDENTS LOVED HIM. WHEN HE WAS ASKED TO BE THE DEAN OF THE DIVISION OF APPLIED, NATURAL, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (DANSS), HE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE AND DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB. HE EVEN CONVINCED ME TO BECOME A PART-TIME (ADJUNCT) TEACHER THERE. WE FACULTY MEMBERS LOVED HIM. AS DEAN HE GOT A CHANCE TO MENTOR THE STUDENTS OF HIS DIVISION. HE EVEN MENTORED THE OTHER DEANS SUCH AS MARGARET SHANNON, JUDY MIRANTI, PATRICIA PRECHTER, AND MYLES SEGHERS. THE FACULTY ALSO CAME TO HIM FOR HELP AND ADVICE. HE LOVED THE BUSINESS FRATERNITY, DELTA SIGMA PI, AND WAS THEIR MODERATOR ON CAMPUS. HE WAS ALWAYS GOING TO DELTA SIG FUNCTIONS, ATTENDING THEIR MEETINGS, MAKING TRIPS TO CONVENTIONS WITH THEM, AND THERE WAS ALWAYS A DELTA SIG BROTHER IN HIS OFFICE ASKING QUESTIONS AND SEEKING ADVICE.
HE WAS ALSO VERY GENEROUS ABOUT PLACING HOLY CROSS STUDENTS IN ACCOUNTING AND OTHER JOBS. STUDENTS WOULD ASK HIM ABOUT THIS COMPANY OR THAT COMPANY. HE WAS LIKE ANOTHER FATHER TO HIS STUDENTS. HE WAS NEVER TOO BUSY TO HELP A STUDENT OR A FACULTY MEMBER OR THE OTHER DEANS OR ANYONE AT THE SCHOOL. IN MY OPINION HE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF HIS STUDENTS. HE TOUCHED THEIR LIVES AND MADE THEM BETTER FOR IT.
FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS HE AND I TAUGHT ON THURSDAY NIGHTS (I AM STILL TEACHING ON THURSDAY NIGHTS). HIS CLASS STARTED AT 6 AND MINE AT 6:30. I USED TO GET TO THE COLLEGE EARLY SO THAT I COULD VISIT WITH JIM BEFORE HIS CLASS BEGAN. I WAS ALWAYS VERY AT EASE IN HIS PRESENCE. WE WOULD TALK ABOUT OUR FAMILIES (HE LOVED MY PARENTS,
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ESPECIALLY MY FATHER), JESUIT, HIS BEES THAT PRODUCED HONEY, HIS DOG, AND LSU FOOTBALL. HE LOVED FOOTBALL SO MUCH THAT HE ONCE HAD A CLOCK ON HIS DESK THAT RAN BACKWARDS TELLING HOW MANY DAYS WERE LEFT BEFORE FOOTBALL SEASON STARTED.
JIM HAD A WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR WHICH WAS EVIDENCED ANNUALLY AT THE SENIORS’ BREAKFAST EVERY MAY AT THE ROYAL ORLEANS. HE LOVED TO TELL JOKES AND FUNNY STORIES, ESPECIALLY CAJUN JOKES. SANDY AND I WENT WITH HIM AND OTHERS ON A BUS ONE YEAR TO LAFAYETTE FOR A CAJUN JOKE-TELLING CONTEST.
I KNOW THAT SOMEONE WILL BE NAMED AS DEAN OF HIS DIVISION, BUT WHOEVER THAT PERSON IS WILL HAVE A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW. I DO NOT THINK ANYONE CAN FULLY TAKE HIS PLACE AT THE COLLEGE.
JIM WAS A LOVING HUSBAND TO LINNY, A SUPPORTIVE FATHER TO TRIPP AND AMANDA, AND A WONDERFUL FRIEND TO MANY, MANY PEOPLE. HE MADE PEOPLE FEEL SPECIAL AND CHANGED LIVES. I KNOW THAT I AM A MUCH BETTER PERSON FOR HAVING BEEN HIS FRIEND FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS.
JIM, YOU HAVE BEEN A GOOD FRIEND TO ME AND MY FAMILY OVER THE YEARS. I LOVED YOU VERY MUCH AND WILL MISS SEEING YOU ON A REGULAR BASIS. BUT I KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY THAT WE WILL BE RE-UNITED IN HEAVEN. SAY HELLO TO YOUR PARENTS, LINNY’S FATHER, AND MY DAD FOR ME.
I SAW THE FOLLOWING AND THOUGHT I WOULD END WITH IT:
“GOD SAW YOU GETTING TIRED AND A CURE WAS NOT TO BE
HE PUT HIS ARMS AROUND YOU AND WHISPERED ‘COME TO ME’
WITH TEARFUL EYES WE WATCHED YOU AND SAW YOU PASS AWAY
AND THOUGH WE LOVED YOU DEARLY, WE COULD NOT MAKE YOU STAY
A GOLDEN HEART STOPPED BEATING, A PRECIOUS SOUL AT REST.
GOD BROKE OUR HEARTS TO PROVE TO US THAT HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST.”
A Letter From Richard Hare
I’ve had one brother in my life.
I didn’t meet him until I was fourteen and a sophomore at Jesuit High School.
In those last three years at that fine institution we bonded as no tow others could. We pushed each other to be better students than either could be individually. We developed close friendships that are cherished to this day; whether it was a while peeling oranges in the basement at morning break, walking up and down the stairs from the third floor to satisfy Father Boudoin’s need for discipline, or helping Joe Malone through his Latin test (on which he got a 2 and we got high 90's).
We met, dated, and learned to love the ladies who would become our wives for life. We matured with a positive attitude about life, and a desire to grow.
We continued our development at Loyola, initially on different tracks but eventually uniting on a Business Curriculum. Our circle of friends broadened, and his were mine and mine were his. We joined and enjoyed the same Fraternity. We spent many hours “cramming” all night for tests, culminating with one of Mother hare’s early morning breakfasts, to send us on our way.
We both married in ‘64 , and our wives tolerated and encouraged our entry into Graduate School, even though it lengthened our day and shortened our family time.
We survived the military and returned home to conquer the world. Through many career changes, and up and downs in our private lives, we supported, strengthened, and leaned one each other.
He rejoiced in my daughter’s adaption, and I learned so much about strength and tenacity from his daughter. His son’s pink graduation tennis shoes showed us humor in things most serious.
He has spent his maturing years in giving to, and developing, others though his position on Campus. While, my career took another tack, often taking me out of close proximity, seldom did a day go by that we did not talk. Never was there a question as to who would be called, by either family, if a water pipe broke, or a hurricane evacuation was necessary.
I will miss my brother, Rab.
He was born to different parents, and had a different last name, but I’ve had one brother in my life.
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| From:
Jamie Gremillion <lilbit3337@cox.net> Rabalais Family,
Could you please include this story on the website. I sent it with my first email as a Microsoft Word attachment but it may have been overlooked. I would love to share my thoughts on Dean. Please see the following:
Brother James Rabalias meant a lot to me and was more than just a professor. He was my chapter advisor in Delta Sigma Pi, my mentor, my friend, and my brother in the fraternity. I felt a bond with Dean. We formed a strong relationship through working together in Delta Sigma Pi, by being in his accounting classes, and visiting with him in his office. He was not a Dean that keeps his office door closed and you didn't have to have an appointment to see him. Rather, whenever he saw me peek into his office, he would immediately shout, "Hey Jamie... Come on in". The time when I had problems with fraternity matters, I went straight to his office and he was there to solve my problems. Whenever, I needed an internship to get experience in my field, he gave me the names and numbers of who I needed to call. When Katrina hit, and I was thinking about taking classes at LSU, I immediately knew I could call Dean for his advice about which classes to take. He listened with an open ear. When I had to make decisions about which job to choose and which major to pick for graduate school, he gave his valuable opinions. Besides my parents, he is the one person that I went to most for advice. He truly cares about his students. I remember in class one day he said the thing that he loved most about his job was being in the classroom teaching and interacting with students. I know he really enjoyed starting every accounting class with one of his Boudreaux jokes and I always thought that he had that cajun accent down pat. He had a love for building relationships with students, guiding them, and seeing them on their way to the real world. I know that he really misses his students after they graduate. At my graduation brunch this past year, I remember Dean getting teary eyed as he spoke about how much he would miss this graduating class. You could tell his words were so sincere and heartfelt. I hope he knows that his students loved him just as much and now WE will really miss HIM.
Sincerely, Jamie Gremillion Class of 2006 Delta Sigma Pi brother
----- Original Message -----
Cc:
Madzie Eschete
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 8:55 PM
Subject: Story and Pictures
Family,
I am so sorry
about your loss. Attached is the paragraph I wrote about Dean and
also 3 pictures. One picture is us at my graduation in August of
2006. The other picture was 8-18-2005. This was when Delta Sigma
Pi surprised Dean with the Chapter Advisor of the Year award
.
Dean won Chapter Advisor of the Year Award for the Gulf South
Region for 2004-2005 and Chapter Advisor of the Year Award
for the South Central Province for 2004-2005. Our chapter was
presented this at Grand Chapter Congress. He thought this was a
regular meeting but it turned out to be a party for him and I
presented him with the plaque. He was pleasantly surprised.
The
last picture is the picture of the cake we gave him after we
presented him with the awards.
Dean
was an awesome person and was very kind to me. He will forever live
in my heart.
Sincerely,
Jamie Gremillion
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| From:
Jackie G. Dinwiddie <jgd@epiccompanies.com>
Dean Rabalais was a
wonderful influence in my life. He would not let me quit. I
remember the day I went into his office. I was having a difficult
time at work and trying to figure out what and where I was going in
my life. I said "Dean, I am not so sure about accounting. I am
thinking of changing my major." Dean slammed his hand on the desk
and replied in a rather demanding tone "I do not know why the hell
you would want to change from accounting. You are good at it. I
will not authorize the change!" My response was a very timid "ok".
I hung in there because of his faith in me. Through hard work and
persistence I have a successful position that allows me to take very
good care of my family.
Thank you, Dean Rabalais, for being a wonderful and amazing influence in my life. You are the best! My condolences to the family, he will be greatly missed.
Jacqueline Dinwiddie
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| From:
LStew101@aol.com
<LStew101@aol.com
>
It's taken me some time to put in writing how much of a loss
I have in my life, and especially YOU (Linda, Tripp, Amanda) have in
your lives after the sudden death of dear Jim. I was stunned to hear
of the news of his passing while I was in Tennessee and tried to get
an early flight back to attend the funeral, but was unable to return
to New Orleans in time.
Jim was TRULY the foundation rock for Our Lady of Holy Cross
College .... the cement and the girders that kept OLHCC viable and a
growing institution of higher learning. He kept our DANSS Division
clicking ... he knew how to mix a professional working environment
with an enjoyable atmosphere. A few of us (the "Bankson/Stewart
Atrium") were the ingredients for his imaginative and creative ways
to deal with administrative pressures. In a phrase, he helped me
maintain what degree of sanity I was able to hold on to for the 17
years of work/service/labor/shenanigans as an associate professor at
OLHCC.
He knew how to mix humor with hard work. There were so many
memorable episodes: the safari to the Opelousas Joke Telling
Contest; the many trips to enjoy the Dusenbery feast and
entertainment at La Trouvaille (Jim's comment: "I can't imagine
beginning the Christmas season without spending it with the
Dusenberys"), the favorite Friday gatherings at Adam's Catfish
House ("With regard to SACS work, I have some good news and bad
news."), the DANSS Plaque passed along to deserving recipients;
the willingness to spend hours at the Main Post Office to learn the
identity of the blue-cloud-stationery author; the DILIGAF buttons;
the humor and faux pas displayed at the Honors Convocations; the
meaningful speech by Da Dean that everyone waited to hear at the
Graduation Brunch; the kindness in bringing truckloads of satsumas
to distribute to 'hungry' friends; the masterful way to properly
tell Cajun jokes with the correct (non-Yankee) accent; the many
nicknames deservedly given (and earned) by people at OLHCC; the
attempt to be the first Division finished at the evening
opening-of-the-semester meetings; the talent you had in assigning
the job of composing the creative Minutes of the "many" Divisional
meetings; the numerous plaques, helmets; staffs; and testimonials
displayed in your office that you received for your service at the
College... etc., etc.....
Your love and service and devotion to your students
(especially the Accounting Majors), to your faculty (full-time and
part-time), to the Marianite friends you made, and the way you
handled the shenanigans of the administration made working for you
(especially) a memory that will last forever with me.
I truly love you and will pray that your talents rub off on
me and all your other dear friends and colleagues at OLHCC.
God continue to bless and thank you forever......
Larry Stewart, CSC
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| From:
Van Loon, Susan <SvanLoon@olhcc.edu> Dean James Rabalais In Memoriam
Jim was a colleague and a friend. He was also my boss. His style of leadership was to serve: to be present, to hear, and to do all in his power to create the optimum conditions for us to do our work of teaching students. His trust in his faculty inspired us to always strive to be the best at what we do. He loved his work and he loved his division and his students. That simple and potent truth illuminated every action he took and every decision he made as Dean of the Division of Applied, Natural, and Social Sciences
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| From:
Jim Gallagher <jim6411@charter.net>
Dean Rabalais gave me
the push, the drive, and the encouragement to finish school. I am
forever grateful to have known him.----Leslie Serio
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| From:
Kolette Mandina <kolette@tonymandinas.com> |
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| Date:
Jan 17, 2007 5:10 PM
My first recollections of Brother JIm when I
heard the news he had passed was his serious-looking face that he
tried to keep as our Platoon Leader and Sqad Leader in Loyola's ROTC
Program in the early 60's. We all knew those drills were Mickey Mouse
but, draft-dodgers to the core, we participated-didn't want to go to
Cuba or Vietnam at least until we graduated. Jimmy knew this too, but
when it came time to pass out demerits for flyspecks on shoes or
strings in our rifle barrels, etc. Cadet Lt. James Rabalais passed
them out with his best approximation of a look which was a cross of
Patton at Bastogne and Moses' first encounter with the Israelite's
golden calf at Sinai. This look, accomplished only with the best
dissociative trance since Svengali, truly drained much of his physical
energy. Lt. Jim was always tired at tthe of drill and didn't know why.
Once, and only once, did we get him to "crack up" during Inspection.
Laughing during Inspections was a bit more serious than treason, and
Jimmy always did his job to the best of his outstanding abilities. But
not to laugh or have an encouraging word for a fellow ALPHA DELT, or
any friend, was so totally out of character for him. Jimmy always had
a wonderful time at the ADG Parties, dancing, cutting up, and mostly
making everyone there feel welcome. Jim, Eric LeBlanc, and I had made
arrangements to triple date to dinner and a movie-I was dating someone
new and JIm went out of his way to include her in our conversation and
fun. I know this made the girl feel accepted and comfortable!
I only saw the "Lt. Rabalais Look" one other
time- that was on a chilly December night, actually some time after
Midnight in old Ft. McComb, out by the Chef Menteur Pass. If I recall
correctly, Jim was Pledge Captain for our ADG Pledge Class and we were
cold, wet, disgusted at having to eat nasty things, and had been
dipped in molasses, sawdust and chicken feathers. Ft. McComb was still
abandoned, home only to luckless transients, and hadn't been touched
since the Civil War. We pledges had been through the worst of the
hazing, and now had our blindfolds off. Jimmy was brown with molasses
in the fading firelight and had several chicken feathers on his
forehead and face. Jim, our fearless ROTC Platoon Leader, brother
pledge, and wonderful friend, got the "look" on his face as he was
given another mission-lead his fellow Fraternity members out of that
cold , dark swamp without getting us all lost and back to civilization
in one piece! From reading some the wonderful stories from his
students, friends, and family, it appears that Bro. Jim was called by
God to lead so many people out of the swamp and into better things.
Now the Lord has told Jimmy that HE was taking over now and leading
Jim home! But he will truly be missed by all of us
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Richard "Dick" Sandefur
Loyola and ADG, Class of '64
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| The Dean Rabalais that I knew. The "Dean" as we all were instructed to call him, and did so lovingly, was a proud man. He was never wrong, even if he was. I joined the DANSS division, with Dean Rabalais as my counselor, in June 2001. My major, of course, was Accounting, which was Dean Rabalais' area of expertise. I had him as an instructor in Intermediate Accounting and Advanced Accounting, as well as Business and Society. I also joined the fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, of which Dean was the mentor and mediator in November 2002. This club, in my opinion, was his pride and joy. He took it very seriously and wanted all of its members to succeed in life as well as the Fraternity. As President of the Nu Omicron Chapter during 2004-2005, I worked closely with Dean guiding the Chapter on its continued path of success. Through his guidance, we participated as volunteers in as many College events as we could. Our presence on campus is well known. Through his guidance and direction, we have the "Wall of Fame" for Delta Sigma Pi in what we call the "Business Hall". Many awards were earned and received by the Nu Omicron Chapter and are on display in this hall. On a more personal note, it was at the Delta Sigma Pi awards banquet in July of 2006 that I learned that Dean and I had even more in common than originally thought. You see, he and I discovered that he was a student at Jesuit along with my father (whom I lost in 1987). Dean was so thrilled at having learned this (as was I) that he brought all of his yearbooks from Jesuit to show me pictures of my dad that I have never seen. I felt that I was getting a chance to get a piece of my own father back, a piece that I had never known. Dean and I would look at the pictures and he would tell me stories that I was thrilled to hear. I am thankful that I had this opportunity and got to learn more about Dean as well as my dad. Cathy Blickley
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| My deepest sympathies
and condolences to the Rabalais family during this time of loss. I was
a student at Our Lady of Holy Cross College, where Dean Rabalais was my
dean. I feel very fortunate to have met him. He was a man that was
always there for his students when you had a problem or just needed to
get something done. His door was always open. Even after I graduated,
I would run into him at my work and I was always impressed that he knew
my face and my name. After Katrina, I attended LSUHSC, and our Dean
there spoke with my class one day. He let us know that he aspired to be
the type of dean who his students knew, because so few students knew
their deans at big colleges and universities. He asked those of us that
attended other colleges, if we even knew what our deans at previous
schools looked like. I realized that not only did I know who my dean
was at my previous college, but he knew me. I didn't realize how
impressive this was during my schooling at OLHCC, but at this moment I
did. I am glad that I graduated already from Holy Cross, just for the
simple fact that I could not imagine Our Lady of Holy Cross College
without Dean James Rabalais.
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I believe you learn a
little from everyone that you meet in life;
but the lessons you
learn from someone that touches
your life,
becomes a part of who
you are and you are a better person for it.
Dean James Rabalais
was one of those people and I am a better
person for having
known and learned from him.
In this time of
mourning, may God Bless and give comfort to his
family, friends,
colleagues, students, fraternity brother and all that knew him.
Fraternally,
Brother Joanne Meerman
Delta
Sigma Pi & OLHCC Alumni
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Hello all,
I would just like to add a small tribute to Dean
Rabalais. He was my strongest ally in my goal of achieving a college
degree. Without his support, my college experience would not have
been as enjoyable and meaningful. I consider myself lucky to have
such a great friend and mentor in my life.
Thank you,
John DeLucca ('02)
Special Agent- U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement
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A Rab story
When the family flew to Alaska,Jim was in
line in front of me and picked up one of our party's small
suitcases to carry on the plane.I tapped him on the shoulder and
offered him a quarter "as a gratuity".I also advised him that if
he had gone to DeLaSalle (as I did) rather than the Banks Street
Institute for Wayward Lads he wouldn't be loading freight for
tips.Rather than responding with the expected counter sarcasm,he crumpled
his baseball cap,twisted it sideways,adopted a blank facial
expression and on the spot ,created a new persona-"Donkey Boy".The
speech pattern was the best-he referred to himself in the third
person with a faintly Avoyelles Parish accent as in "Donkey Boy
happy today because you folks givin' Donkey Boy lots to do and not
payin' Donkey Boy nothin' and Donkey Boy happy 'cause this don't
put Donkey Boy in a high tax bracket".From that time on,through
Katrina,and road trips,and jamming parades and many wonderful
BBQs at Maison Rabalais ,I could count on a special point of view
whenever he would channel Donkey Boy to discuss politics,football
and whatever.
Rest now, Donkey Boy,you earned it.
Hank Bienert
brother-in-law and friend
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Dear
Family,
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to express our thoughts. You may not remember me, but I am the student who gave Dean Rabalais the picture of the St. Louis Cathedral that he so proudly displayed in his office. The photo was taken by my brother who died too early. My brother waited all day for the lighting to be just right to take that photo. Just as the sun was setting to get the photo of his dreams that little cloud on the right of the photo floated into the frame. My brother thought the picture was imperfect because of that, but that cloud came to be a symbol of preparing for everything, but not being able to control everything. However, one little perceived imperfection cannot change the beauty of what our lives really are and did not change the beauty of that photo. My contribution is as follows: 1) I remember sitting in Dean Rabalais' class for the first time in August 1993 - Accounting I. It could have been possible for his powerful presence to intimidate, but his warm voice quickly took away that apprehension. His famous quote was:
"Do what I say to do, how I say to do it and when I say to do it and you will have no problem in this class".
On first impression those words may sound harse, but upon scrutiny you quickly realize that this was a man who wanted his students to do well. Simply put, these words were meant to be a source of comfort for course concepts that may otherwise be very complex for a new undergrad student. I made an A.
2) When I graduated from OLHCC in 2001 (yes do the math – I was on the 10 year plan), Dean Rabalais sent me a letter thanking ME for allowing him to educate me. Imagine that. In return I sent him a letter that said the following:
Dear Dean Rabalais,
Where do I begin to thank you? OLHCC has been such a big part of my life for 10 years. I started OLHCC as a young lady embarking on an uncertain future. I have had the good fortune to receive a far superior education than most, to have instructors that made me thirst for knowledge, to make friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime, but most of all to appreciate the changes that occurred in me both mentally and spiritually. Thank you for being part of all this, for you fit into all of these categories. Thank you for sharing the laughter and for sharing in the tears. Thanks for not shying away from really difficult moral and ethical questions of life. Thanks for being the rock of support we all knew you as. Most of all, thanks for being a friend. My life is richer because you are in it. God bless you, your family and OLHCC .
I am so glad I took the time to put my thoughts into writing as he could see the impact that words and actions have the lives of others. Not everyone in this world has the gift or the opportunity to make a difference. He had both. He used those God given talents to make each of us better people. This world does not know what it has lost. They just don't know that they are worse off today than they were yesterday – because yesterday he was still here with us. Love to all of you - we all knew you guys were the center of his world.
Louise Crouchet Higgins '01
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| It's hard for me to find a place to begin to
say how much Dean Rabalais meant to me. He was such an awesome, big
hearted man. He treated me with such loving care. This was comforting
to me especially when I returned to Holy Cross following a three-year
absence due to an automobile accident. He was my Dean; and he was my
friend. He deemed himself my "Surrogate Dad"; and he proudly fulfilled
that role. Dean helped me to build confidence in myself by never once
doubting my ability to succeed. God chose Dean to be an important part
of my life. In honor of his memory and to fulfill his wishes for me, I
will go forth with more determination than ever to become a successful
accountant. He was such a big part of everything at Holy Cross. School
will never be the same without him for me and many others. I loved him
and will truly miss him. There will always be a place in my heart for
Dean James Rabalais. Kristen Cassou
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| Hi my name is James Foley. I am a junior nursing student and have worked as a student worker for academic affairs the past two and a half years. Dean Rabalais was one of the greatest people I have ever met. There would not be a day that I was working that I did not head into his office and just talk about subjects like the Sopranos to the Saints to the Voodoo. I am deeply saddened at the news I heard today and will greatly miss him being dean as well as a friend to me. My deepest sympathy goes out to his entire family and the OLHCC family that knew him as well as I did.
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To the family of Dean Rabalais,
I was shocked to hear of the
passing of my good friend Dean Rabalais. This will be a great loss
to the school, as well as all of his friends, students and
colleagues. He was quite a unique individual, a true leader
and professional in his field. I always had the utmost respect for
him and looked to him for wisdom and guidance in my undergrad and
graduate years at Our Lady of Holy Cross College. I remember my
first meeting with him and the encouragement he gave me during my
long 9-year night studies to obtain a masters degree in community
counseling. He asked me, "Are you sure you want to become a
counselor? Maybe you should look into a business degree instead."
He shared a little of his wife's life as a counselor and a brief
look into what I had to look forward to in choosing that type of
career. I graduated in December 2004, am a state Licensed
Professional Counselor, and now in private practice in Boise,
Idaho. I will always remember Dean Rabalais as a kind-hearted man
with many gifts and talents that he was so generous in sharing with
his students. My last communication from him was on January 8,
2006, where he told me that he knew I would make a difference as a
counselor because I would be doing God's work. His words are even
more meaningful now. I will miss him very much. I pray that God
will send his angels to comfort you during this sad time. May God
bless you and keep you in His care.
Sincerely,
Jacalyn Ramsey, MA, NCC, LPC
5393 N. Edenburgh Way Boise, ID 83714
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To the Rabalais Family,
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| Dean Rabailais was an inspiring
person and a mentor to me. Academically,
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I was a student in Mr. Rabalais accounting classes. While
teaching he would always stop and ask if we have heard a certain
boudreaux joke and then would precede in telling us the joke. He was
always trying to put a smile on our faces. After Katrina, walking
into his office he would ask me if I wanted any free carrots! The
army members I believe had left them at the college after Katrina.
He always knew that right things to say to brighten someone's day.
He was the most caring man. He will be greatly missed and no-one
ever could fully replace him. He was one of a kind.
Sincerely,
Stacy
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I AM SO SADENED AND
SHOCKED TO HEAR OF DEAN RABALAIS' PASSING. OUR LADY OF HOLY CROSS
COLLEGE WILL NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT HIM. I REMEMBER MANY ENCOUNTERS
WITH DEAN OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS THAT I ATTENDED OLHCC. MY FIRST
EXPERIENCE WAS OF COURSE IN ACCOUNTING CLASS. I RECALL HEARING MANY
WORDS OF WISDOM AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM HIM. DEAN WAS TRULY LARGER
THAN LIFE AT OLHCC. HIS PRESENCE AND OPINION WAS ALWAYS WELCOMED AND
RESPECTED. I HAVE NEVER MET ANYONE ELSE QUITE LIKE DEAN RABALAIS.
HE WAS UNIQUE, PAINFULLY HONEST AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HE WAS
COMPASIONATE TOWARDS HIS STUDENTS AND FELLOW FACULTY. I HAVE
IMAGINED MYSELF WALKING ACROSS THE STAGE AT GRADUATION AND GETTING
MY DIPLOMA FROM "THE MAN" HIMSELF, UNFORTUNATELY, IN MAY, HE WILL BE
ABSENT, BUT HIS SPIRIT AND PRESENCE WILL BE THERE AND WILL BE IN THE
HALLS OF OLHCC FOREVER. WE WILL MISS YOU GREATLY DEAN!
FROM: JOHN WRIGHT,
SENIOR @ OLHCC
John E. Wright II
Insulin Pump Representative Diabetes Management and Supplies 10 Commerce Court, Suite B New Orleans, Louisiana 70123
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There is no way to adequately express our deep
loss. Jim was a friend and colleague for over fifteen years and we
share a history that will be treasured. Our spontaneous prayer ritual in Academic Affairs was initiated by Jim, and I began and ended my tenure as Acting Vice President with this memorable gesture. I will never forget, as I was preparing to leave, that Jim came in, took both of my hands and said "We will end as we began" and we prayed together. There is so much to be said for a man who always looked out for his faculty and students. The special needs students will miss Jim the most. The time that he spent encouraging and challenging them to succeed, daily exemplified the Mission of Our Lady of Holy Cross College. I cannot imagine the Alumni Brunch without Dean Rabalais. He regaled us with his stories and made everyone laugh. His legacy will live on and Our Lady of Holy Cross College is better because of him. One of my favorites quotes is now so appropriate: If something comes to life in others Because of you, Then you have made an Approach to immortality. (Norman Cousins). Adieu, my friend and colleague, until we meet again. Judy Dr. Judith G. Miranti Professor Emeritus Our Lady of Holy Cross College
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I remember on several occasions going into
Dean's office to find that he had changed his monitor to larger
sizes....the joke was that he was trying to hide from his students in
his office. He also tried to give away large cans of carrots left
behind from the storm. My most favorite memory was always his
Graduate Brunch speech that made you laugh so much, you cried.
Jo Ann Rosselli
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I remember going into Dean's office to talk about classes and him calling all bakeries in the New Orleans area looking for Italian Anise cookies for his wife because it was her birthday and that was her favorite type of cookie. I just happen to help his looking by ordering and bringing the cookies to him the next day for her. After that he called me whenever she wanted cookies. This just shows how wonderful of a husband, father and teacher Dean Rabalais was; he would do anything for everyone. He was a wonderful person in our community and he is going to be greatly missed. Carissa Robin
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"The Dean" as we refer to James Rabalais as will be missed beyond
measure by all at OLHCC.
I had the privilege of being an Accounting student of Dean Rabalais when he was just known as Mr. Rabalais back in the early 1990's. He inspired me beyond belief and always had time to listen. When I had personal issues, and subsequently withdrew from OLHCC, he was there to counsel me and encourage me to be the best Christian man that I could be. When I was able to return to OLHCC some years later, Dean and I picked up right where we left off. It was as if no time had passed at all. He used to always tell me jokingly that I bore one of the oldest "active" student identification numbers in the computer system. He never stopped challenging me and pushing me to see my fullest potential. "The Dean" has truly touched my life, and I will never forget him repeatedly telling me that I was a success story that beat the odds. May God bless you Dean, and keep you near to His heart. You shall never be forgotten by your colleges and students Tracy Tingstrom
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Family,
I am so sorry
about your loss. Attached is the paragraph I wrote about Dean and
also 3 pictures. One picture is us at my graduation in August of
2006. The other picture was 8-18-2005. This was when Delta Sigma
Pi surprised Dean with the Chapter Advisor of the Year award
.
Dean won Chapter Advisor of the Year Award for the Gulf South
Region for 2004-2005 and Chapter Advisor of the Year Award
for the South Central Province for 2004-2005. Our chapter was
presented this at Grand Chapter Congress. He thought this was a
regular meeting but it turned out to be a party for him and I
presented him with the plaque. He was pleasantly surprised.
The
last picture is the picture of the cake we gave him after we
presented him with the awards.
Dean
was an awesome person and was very kind to me. He will forever live
in my heart.
Sincerely,
Jamie Gremillion
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He changed my life by having faith and
confidence in me. He showed me Melissa Giangrosso
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I was a student at OLHCC from 1998
till 2003. Dean Rabalais was my favorite professor and I am extremely
saddened when I heard of his passing. One story I remember is when my
mom called in the middle of class. He told me to answer it and
proceeded to ask how mom was doing. Another story that truly affected
me as a student is when I left my accounting test and while driving home
realized that I had done something wrong. I drove back and went back to
class. He let me fix my mistake. How many teachers would let you do
that?
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Dear Family, |
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I am a graduate of Our Lady of Holy Cross
College the year of 1999.
Dean James Rabalais was a great person who just smiled at us all the time and always was willing to help you out no matter the situation. He was not only a teacher but he was a good friend. he wanted us to really learn. he will be truly missed.
Deirdre Amos-Jackson
Class of 1999
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J – Jovial I - Intelligent M- Man of God I owe a great debt of gratitude to JIM for allowing me to work with him in the Business Division as an Adjunct Professor over the past 25 years. He was a great Dean and friend. I will always remember the many times I would drop by his office and ask him: “What’s up Jim?” or “What’s happening Jim?” He always took time to talk with me and would shoot the breeze or talk about the past great St. Aloysius/Jesuit rivalry. He had a great sense of humor. He always asked about Sally and my family. It was my pleasure to have taught Linda, Trip, and Amanda at OLHCC and our deepest condolences to the Rabalais Family. We will truly miss him! SALLY and JOE MACALUSO, SR.
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As a
Rummel graduate, class of 1994, the only flaw I've ever found in Dean
Rabalais is that he IS a Jesuit Blue Jay. This aside, Dean Rabalais was
my accounting instructor for 3 years, he was my advisor, he was my
mentor, but most of all, he was my friend. Dean Rabalais and I would
talk all the time about many things other than accounting, business or
OLHCC... One of my favorite memories of Dean involves a story he told
me upon retunring from a trip to Canada just before the presidential
election of 2004. Dean was with his traveling companions at a
restaurant and asked the waitress for a different brand of ketchup
(Heinz was not his favorite for obvious reasons). I thought this was so
funny, but it also showed me Dean's dedication to his beliefs and how
far he actually would go to stand by them. Asking for a different brand
of ketchup...so funny. |
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I have many wonderful memories of Dean Rabalais. He was such a wonderful man who gave so much to all of the people around him. He was a great inspiration to me and he always had an "open door policy" so that he could be there for each of us. I will never forget when I took a leave of absence from school to have our first child and he made me promise that I would bring the baby to see him as soon as we were able. Then he couldn't believe it when I was expecting again so close to our first born and he always joked with me about it in the halls when I would see him. After the birth of our second son, I brought Evan into his office in his infant seat and Dean Rabalais told me to take him out so that he could see him. He held Evan and looked at me and said what only Dean Rabalais would say, "This boy's going to Jesuit and he's playing football. He's already big enough to play for them! I will be sure that he's on the team!...If you keep this up we'll have the whole team from your family with all these boys!" Ha! His smile always brightened the rooms that he walked into. I can still hear his laughter and see him in his khaki pants, navy sports coat and his hands in his pockets. He was truly a wonderful man who would go out of his way to help anyone. He will truly be missed. --Shae Hoover-Murders
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There will never be a better teacher or mentor! Mr. Rabalais made
accounting class fun. Hard to believe, but it is true. He deeply
touched my life. I thank God for Mr. Rabalais' guidance. My
favorite quote of his is "Creative accountants are in jail!" I
borrow that line all the time. I am a better person due to his
"pearls of wisdom."
I pray for peace and comfort for his family that he truly loved so much. May he rest in peace.
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My favorite memory of Dean Rablais
occurred during the first week of my first semester as a faculty member
at OLHCC. I was passing by his office and he called me in and handed me
an OLHCC binder and Pen and said welcome to Our Lady of Holy Cross. You
can not imagine how much that gesture meant to me as a new person coming
in to an established family of faculty and staff. During my time at the
college Dean Rablais and I have crossed paths relatively few times just
because of where we are logistically in the building. however, every
interaction that I have had with him has been a pleasant one.
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Dean Rabalais was a great person. He gave me advice and he helped me get a job working for his brother, Jay Rabalais. He was generous and loving to everyone. His Boudreaux stories in Principles of Accounting will be missed
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Thank you, God, for the life of Mr. R, as I called him, and for
giving him the grace to be an example and a role model of a good
Catholic man, a loving husband, a good father, an excellent teacher
and administrator and a friend to all.
Thank you, God, for gifting him with a happy and pleasant disposition and with a commitment to his profession in the field of business. Thank you, Mr. R, for your welcome and enjoyable chats every time I stopped by your office on my way to the office of the VP of Academic Affairs for business. I will miss your critiques of featured movies. Thank you for your creative idea in helping me to be the "entrepreneur of the year" by assisting me to get rid of hundreds of cans of carrots. I will miss your humorous and entertaining final address to the DANSS graduates at the Graduate Brunch. Thank you, Mr. R (Dean Rabalais), for your love and respect of all Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross and for your love and contribution to Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Thank you God, for giving the Marianite Sisters the privilege of being James Rabalais's first classroom teachers. Amen. Sr. Helen Fontenot, M.S.C. Sr. Helen Fontenot, M.S.C. Director of Library Services Blaine S. Kern Library Our Lady of Holy Cross College 4123 Woodland Drive New Orleans, LA 70131
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In Memory of my Friend Jim Rabalais
A long time ago I met a man And he became a friend That I will carry in my heart Until the very end.
He may have left this earth
To go to a better place, But I will never forget. That smile that stayed on his face.
His eyes had that special way
To make you feel so good Even if your day was bad. His smile changed that and would.
I felt that he spelled out what's right
In a world so filled with mistakes, And he would give to all he knew. Help and even several breaks.
I know that he is in Heaven,
With Jesus, and our Lord above. And visiting with Julia, And giving her all our love.
There is no better place for him
And I am sure that he is there. Watching over a new semester. With his love and his care.
His family, you can dry the tears
Because he is in no pain, And the angels in Heaven, Will learn from him – it's their gain.
So I say to you with all my love,
He left more in life than he took out. That is the way he wanted it And that is what his life was all about.
Sandy Turvey (hope all is spelled right,
Jim)
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From:
WILLIAMS, PAMELA <PWILLIAMS@olhcc.edu>
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From:
Scott Vezina <Svezina@mspcesq.com>
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From:
mcpenter@bellsouth.net
<
mcpenter@bellsouth.net> |
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At the Mass at the
college the day before Jim went to God, an image came to my mind.
It was Jesus, smiling and holding out His hand and saying to Jim,
"Come, good and faithful servant." My prayer for him then was for
HOPE for better things to come, for PEACE, and for RESIGNATION. He
was a caring person who can now "care" for us all in the best way
possible. God bless Jim and us all.
Sister Theresa M. DuRapau, RSM Sisters of Mercy 2001 Cypress Creek Rd--#234 New Orleans, LA 70123
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I will always remember Dean Rabalais for his sense of humor, and his
open door policy for the students. The students would always come
in the office of Academic Affairs looking for "The Dean". His love
for Jesuit High School, and OLHCC was second to none. He will be
missed but I know he is in a better place.
Claire Moldthan Assistant to the Dean of Humanities, Education and Counseling
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From:
Georeuth@aol.com
<Georeuth@aol.com
>
I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Dean
Rabalais, as well as the students, faculty, and staff at OLHCC. I
am a better person for having known "Dean." His door was always
open as big as his heart was to all of his students. He made me
feel like I really mattered to him and to the school. I'll never
forget how special he made me feel when at the mass before
graduation he presented me with the medals, pins, and posters that
showed how much I had achieved throughout my years at OLHCC. He
will truly be missed...Cheryl Reuther Georgusis '03.
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I am deeply saddened
to hear about Dean Rabalais. I graduated from OLHCC in May 2000 with
an Accounting degree. Dean Rabalais was my advisor for four years and
taught all of my Accounting classes. He was an incredible no-nonsense
mentor - always caring, funny and had our best interests at heart. He
made learning fun and worthwhile (and it's difficult to make
Accounting fun). He truly believed in all of us and his passion for
teaching drove me to make him proud. When my mom died unexpectedly
during my 2nd year, he counseled me often. He worked my schedule
around and wouldn't let me give up during those hard days. I'll never
forget the feeling during graduation when he handed over my degree and
shook my hand. I was elated yet saddened that I would never sit in
his class again. He not only taught the books, but continuously gave
valuable advice and lessons to take into the "real world" he would
call it. After graduation, I went to see him about my job offers to
talk through it before I made a decision. I'm happy to say his last
advice to me was as rewarding as his others, as I am still with the
same Firm today. He will always remain as my fondest memory of OLHCC.
Angie
Flaharty
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From:
John & Debbie Perrone <jdperrone@cox.net> Date: Jan 11, 2007 7:08 PM Subject: Perrone boys - students at OLHCC To: jimstories@gmail.com
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In 1971 my husband Joe and I (Pat Bush) met Jim and Linda Rabalais very shortly after we moved to Gretna from Connecticut. We met through church activities at St Cletus and in particular as Cub Pack 796 was being planned and developed. Over the years Jim was a vital presence in the planning and execution of Pack activities. If the Pack needed it, Jim got it. He was always at every planning meeting and every monthly Pack meeting – always with a big smile. He greeted parents and families alike, welcoming them and encouraging them to participate in some of our sillier skits and activities. He baked his Father and Son cake for the cake sale, made Pinewood Derby cars and rockets for the Rocket derby And who enjoyed those events more, Jim or Tripp? I'm not sure! One Easter we needed some kind of rabbit decorations for the Easter Pack Meeting and, as usual, Jim volunteered to take care of that. Well when he and his brother emerged during the meeting in full rabbit costumes pandemonium erupted. They made the meeting unforgettable and I sit here laughing with tears in my eyes remembering Jim in a full pink rabbit suit with big floppy ears. What a guy! We continued our friendship through grammar school and high school, where Jim helped my oldest son to get through Latin, and again at OLHCC in the 90's when I called about an adjunct position and who answered the phone but Jim. Jim has been a friend and a mentor to our family for over 35 years. One of my sons put it this way - "He was always there for any one or any cause that needed help." He was the big guy with the big smile and the bigger heart. I am so glad we had the opportunity to know him. He enriched our lives. God bless Jim Rabalais. Pat Bush
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I was deeply saddened by the loss of
my friend Jim. We have walked the halls of OLHCC together for many years
and in many ways.
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It has been a
tremendous pleasure to have gotten the opportunity to work with such
a wonderful man. His jovial personality and quick wit always left
me with a smile on my face and a feeling of warmth in my heart. He
was a true inspiration and his joy for life transmitted to all of
those that he encountered. I have benefitted greatly in all aspects
of my life for having known him and having him as a friend
and colleague. I will sadly miss him. Our Lady of Holy Cross and
all that knew him have lost the tangible but his spirit lives on in
all of us...and when he enters our thoughts, it will definitely be
followed by a chuckle, a laugh, and a huge smile. Thanks for
sharing Dean James "Jim" Rabalais with the rest of us, he will be
forever graciously remembered.
Carl J. Tholen
Our Lady of Holy
Cross College
Ochsner Clinic
Foundation
Radiologic Technology
Program
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Jim |
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From:
Ortloff, Nicole <NOrtloff@olhcc.edu> |
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From:
Tara Reese <centanni@bellsouth.net>
I'm so saddened by
the news of the passing of Dean Rabalais. He was not just my Dean
at Our Lady of Holy Cross College he became my friend. I first met
Dean Rabalais in the Spring of 1995 - I was registered as a
Marketing major at Our Lady of Holy Cross College. He taught me the
1st accounting class I had to take - I was never good in Math
- especially accounting - it was all Greek to me - especially
depreciation. I remember after a rather difficult test thinking that
was probably going to be an F for me - well the next class Dean
Rabalais pulled me over after class and he had my test and he wanted
to know what had I done on this particular problem - I started
explaining my work and after my explanation he said, "Oh, OK I see
what you were trying to do - for a minute there I thought you had
come up with another way to do business accounting!" We both had a
good laugh - I think he laughed more because the more I laughed I
realized my answer was wrong - not good news for me! Dean Rabalais
encouraged me to join Delta Sigma Pi at OLHCC and I'm so thankful he
did - because of my affiliation with the business fraternity I met
and became friends with so many people. Dean Rabalais was a true
"Brother." Whenever I saw Dean Rabalais he always asked about my
family. He was always so concerned about my husband Louis and his
military duties and of course he always wanted to know what little
Max was doing to make his Mommy's hair turn gray. He was always
genuinely concerned about me and my family. I also took a tourism
course with Dean Rabalais one summer. About 15 of us including his
wife Linda and their daughter Amanda headed out from OLHCC each day
to explore parts of LA. It was such an incredible experience. I
recently found my journal of our trip and had a great time
remembering all the wonderful things we did and saw. In 2004 I
decided to make a career change and get my teaching certificate and
Masters in Education from OLHCC - Dean Rabalais would always joke
and say, "Always remember, you were mine first." He supported me
100% and always gave me confidence and encouragement to achieve my
Master's and teacher certification. OLHCC won't be the same without
Dean Rabalais. I will miss his smiling face, his hearty laugh
and his arm around my shoulder. He will be sadly missed by me and
many others. When my own father passed away in 2001 I was told this
and it gave me great comfort - What the caterpillar knows as the end
of life, the butterfly knows as the beginning. I hope you can find
comfort in knowing Dean Rabalais has now started a new life and one
day we too will share that new life with him.
Tara Centanni Reese
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From:
Tammy Percle <tammy@hm-b.com>
When I think of Dean Rabalais, I can't help but chuckle at his sense
of humor. He told the best Boudreaux and Clothilde jokes and always
said them when no one was expecting. Not only did he bring humor to
our class; he gave us all an insight to what the real world is
about.
We are at a great loss without Dean Rabalais here to guide us. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to learn from him. His presence will remain on the campus of Our Lady of Holy Cross College for a very long time.
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From:
Duplessis, Bernie: <Bernie.A.Duplessis@conocophillips.com
>
Dean is the most
practical, realistic educator I have ever known. I not only enjoyed
his teachings, but loved him dearly as an acquaintance.
OLHCC has suffered a great loss; however, the greater loss is for those students who will never get to know him and for those of us he has had a tremendous impact upon. Will keep the "Dean" in my prayers until I pass away. My deepest and most sincere condolence to his family
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From:
Melanie Ferguson <mferguson@pncpa.com>
I will never forget our trip to the Chalmette Vietnamese market. It
was a field trip we were all looking forward to as each Philosophy
class did every summer session. We were going to the market first,
and then to one of Dean's favorite places to eat, "Rocky and
Carlos," for a late breakfast. He called ahead to let them know we
were coming so they would open early as they usually would for his
class field trips. Well, they weren't ready. It was so funny. The
cooks just started making rounds of eggs, bacon, toast and other
usual breakfast items. We wouldn't dare ask for anything special. We
might have gotten a spatula across our hand. The trip was a blast.
Even though Dean Rabalais was quite upset at
"Rocky and Carlo," We assured him that we all had the best time, which we did. Love you Brother Dean!
Melanie J.
Ferguson
Senior Tax Accountant
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From:
Perrien, Eretta <EPerri@lsuhsc.edu>
The news of Dean's passing hurts my heart. I have many good
memories of Dean Rabalais during my six years At OLHCC. As a
Business major and alumni, he was there from admission to
graduation. He guided me through my curriculum and encouraged me
to complete my goal of a college degree. I am truly honored to have
known him and to have been a part of the graduating class of 2006.
Attached are a few pictures taken with him during some of the most memorable times for me at Holy Cross. Eretta C. Perrien (OLHCC '06) HR Analyst 3 LSU Health Sciences Center Human Resource Management 433 Bolivar Street New Orleans , LA 70112
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From:
Brian Berrigan <Brian.Berrigan@nmss.org>
Mrs. Linda, Tripp
and Lyn:
I am so sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Jim. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so fond of him. He always had a kind word for me and the work I was doing and he always asked about my family. I only hope I can be the kind of person to young people as he was to me. He will be missed. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Lots of love. Brian Brian P. Berrigan Chapter President National Multiple Sclerosis Society Louisiana Chapter 4613 Fairfield Street Metairie, LA 70006
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From:
Liz Jordan <EFJ09@cox.net>
I lost my father in
2004 to lung and bone cancer. He was in ICU for a week and they told
he could pass any minute. I would not leave his side to come to
school because I wanted to be there with him when he died. My aunt
went to school for me to talk to Dean Rabalais and explain to him
what was going on. He and Ms. Kopecky were phenomenal. They allowed
me to stay with my father and the Dean told me to take as much time
as I needed. I thought I was going to fail because I missed so many
classes but with his help most of those absences were excused and he
was full of understanding and compassion, which at the time I really
needed. He will be greatly missed.
-Liz Jordan
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From:
Cronley <g.cronley@worldnet.att.net>
When my son,
Joey, received a scholarship to Our Lady of Holy Cross, our friend
and my son's kindergarten teacher, Dottie Manieri told us to look
for Dean Rabalais when we got there. She told us he would help us.
I just didn't know how much! Well, we spoke over the phone before
we even went to the college and we felt like we had been knowing him
forever. When we did meet in his office and he gave my son his
pitch to be an accountant, I was shocked to hear Joey say, "he would
think about it." We found that Joey and his daughter both were in
wheelchairs and he just had advise for not only college life, but
disability issues as well. Like the newspaper says, he truely
wanted to help others. My son and I felt it from the start. I am
also proud to say that he encouraged me to try to pursue the issue
of my son driving a vehicle. I would not even have known that this
would be a possibility considering my son's condition. We are now
about one-half of the way in making this a reality. I feel
confident that he is still watching out for us all and especially
Joey in reaching his challenged goals.
Carolee and Joey
Cronley
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Rabalais Family, Dean Rabalais was a great man, friend and teacher. My name is Martha, he was one of the reasons I became a teacher. HE was a mentor and a role model. He is watching over us now, I will keep your family in my prayers. God bless yall. MLMcCann
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From:
Kay Viellion <kayvmsc@hotmail.com> Date: Jan 12, 2007 3:41 PM Subject: Memories of Dean Rabalais To: jimstories@gmail.com Dean Jim Rabalais was my boss during the last few years I taught at OLHCC. He was one of the finest and dearest men I ever knew. Nothing was too much trouble for him and Mr. Rab was always there when he was needed. I, like all those who loved him, will miss Jim Rabalais a lot. Sr. Mary Kay Viellion, MSC
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From:
Faith Ann Spinella <fspinella@htdiocese.org>
Dear Linda, Tripp and
Amanda,
I was so sorry to
hear of your loss. I have nothing but fond memories of Jim from my
days at the college. He was wonderful to work with and he brought a
great spirit to his department and to all of us who worked with him.
I know that he is a loss to you and to all who knew him.
I remember the time
that Jim deceided that the faculty needed to do something fun. He
planned a faculty fun trip to "Bayou country" to hear the Dusenbery
singers and to have lunch with them in their country house
restaurant.
I also remember Jim
answering my questions about finances when I was first out on my own
following years as a Marianite. He even did my taxes for me free of
charge that first half of a year that I received a salary. I
especially remember the peace and happiness that he brought to the
workplace.
May God comfort you
all at this time of loss. I know that Jim is enjoying beautiful
heavenly blessings.
Praying for you,
Faith Ann Spinella
(formerly Sr.
Antoinette)
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I will always
remember Dean Rabalais' wonderful way of explaining things as
"Vanilla". And - "If you have to add 1 + 1, use a calculator and
make a tape." I still say that to this day.
He made class
interesting when he misnamed the colors on the pages, and yelling
"Show Me The MONEY".
We I was inducted
into the Sigma Beta Delta, (The National Honor Society) I was as
proud as a peacock. I remember Dean being just as proud of me. It
made me proud to make him proud. He was a terrific teacher, mentor,
and friend.
I always look for him
in Tony Mandina's too...
He will be missed.
Nicole Loup
OLHCC 2000
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You know why and you know how much but THANKS!!!!!
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From: Eileen R. Bagnetto <bagnetto@cox.net> Date: Jan 12, 2007 9:38 PM Subject: JAR To: jimstories@gmail.com
I loved it when Jim
would go into his "Steppin' Fetchin" routine whenever Linny
continued to give him directions on things that needed to be done.
She always knew when she had crossed the line when Jim would say, "Yassum,
Miz Linda, I'se gettin' to it raight now. I'se ben tryin' to do it
all real fast." He knew exactly how to handle Linny without
confrontation. She'd back off, Jim would smile and everybody was
happy. I saw it a million times and I always admired that he closed
the situation without hurting anyone's feelings and he managed to
spare everyone from embarassment.
Leen
There'll be more.
This is what I thought of first.
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From:
Montgomery, Jeannette <
jmontgomery@olhcc.edu> |
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From:
Van Musso <vanmusso@cox.net>
To the Rabalis FamiIy,
knew Jim from our Loyola days and as a member of ADG fraternity. I
was in Los Angeles until late last night and this morning when I
read yesterdays paper I saw that Jim was buried yesterday. He was
always a kind and giving person and the kind you want as a
fraternity brother and friend. My story is a simple one and it
happened many years after we went to school together. My son was
struggling to get into Jesuit and was sweating it out as all of his
friends were getting accepted to Jesuit. Someone said call Jim
Rabalis and he will help you. I hadnt seen Jim in about 20 years
and I told him my problem. He said I will see what I can do and he
called me back and said dont worry about it your son has been
accepted to Jesuit. It stopped us from having to worry about if he
had been accepted or not and it took all the pressure off of us
about trying to decide where he would go to high school if he wasnt
accepted. Anyway, it was a BIG event in our lives and Jim came
along and helped us when we needed it. A great guy, a wonderful
fraternity brother, a good friend and a guy you could always depend
on to help others because thats who Jim Rabalais was. My
sincere sorrow for your great loss. Van A. Musso ADG 1959
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From:
nhung dang <deedang@yahoo.com>
In my mind, Accounting was one of the very
tough subject. Contrarily, I learned my first lesson from my teacher,
Dean Rabalais, that IT WAS NOT, BUT AS SIMPLE AS 1-2-3. He assured
students that everyone should pass all accounting courses by doing
1-2-3 as followed:
1. WHAT: Do WHAT I tell you to do.
2. HOW: HOW to do it
3. WHEN: and WHEN I tell you to do.
I did 1-2-3, and here I am: an accountant.
Dean Rabalais, we love you. You will be
missed dearly by your students.
By Nhung "Dee" Dang
Class '97
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Robert C. Penick, Ph.D. 321 Shady View Lane Covington, LA 70433
January 15, 2007
Jim Rabalais was a good friend of mine. He and I worked together at OLHCC for some years before I retired from the Adjunct teaching position there. Jim is the one who talked me into going to UNO with him to get our doctorates in Urban Studies. After about 36 hours of course work I turned around one day and Jim was gone. He stopped attending due to health problems he was having. He coached me to keep going and to finish the program we both started in 1994. Each semester he checked on my progress and made sure that I was continuing in the right direction. I begged him to come back to the program because I missed his input, friendship, eating out on many occasions, and help along the way. He said that I should go on and become a Doctor and one day assume his Deanship at OLHCC. We joked a lot about OLHCC and some of the past Presidents there and some of the crazy things they do there. He wanted me to retire and come teach full time for him one day but I put him off and told him maybe one day. In March 2005 I called Jim for more help with some SPSS dissertation calculations that I was having trouble with. He immediately called in a local professor from OLHCC and we all got the calculations to work and I was off again to writing my dissertation for an April 2005 defense presentation to my committee. He saved me again at the last moment so I could graduate in May 2005. He was my guardian angel for many years as a friend, boss, and someone who was loved by his students. On one occasion I refused to put a OLHCC sticker on my back window of my new car. I told someone at the school that I was not going to put the faculty/staff sticker on my car and the good father there could not make me. The rat ran and told the good Father President about my comments and Jim was called on the carpet for my big mouth. Jim of course got things back on track and told the good priest that it must be a mistake as I was a good Christian who went to Manressa on a yearly basis. Needless to say Jim saved me again and again as we both fought thru the political mess at OLHCC.
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From:
Ron Cheek <rgc8629@louisiana.edu>
In 1991 when I
graduated from UNO with my MBA, a friend mentioned that Our Lady of
Holy Cross College needed someone to teach several business courses
and that I should contact their dean, Jim Rabalais. After speaking
with Jim on the phone, he suggested that I come to campus, have a
cup of coffee and discuss the possibility of teaching classes at
OLHCC. We met, talked and over the next several years, I taught
several classes for him in Marketing and Management.
But perhaps even more important, I watched and was amazed at Jim's passion for education as he interacted with students, faculty and staff. I felt his love for higher education. Encouraged by his support and mentorship, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. at UNO. In 1996 I graduated with my Ph.D. and like Jim, found my true calling as a professor in higher education. Jim and I stayed in touch over the years and my admiration for him continued to grow. The loss of Jim will not be felt only by his family and friends, but the future college students that will not have the opportunity to be blessed having been exposed to a truly wonderful administrator, mentor, teacher and person.
Sincerely, Ron Cheek, Ph.D. Ronald G. Cheek, Ph.D. Associate Professor University of Louisiana at Lafayette P. O. Box 43570 Lafayette, LA 70504-3570
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From:
Heather DarDar <heatherdardar@hotmail.com>
I was shocked when I heard that he was in
critical condition, and devastated when I heard of his passing.
Dean Rabalais was a great man. I attended two colleges previously,
and at each one an appointment with the Secretary was
necessary before speaking to the dean. Of course OLHCC is smaller
and different, but he answered his own phone line, and if you had
reached his voice mail, the call would be returned within a few
hours. I live 1-1/2 hours away from campus, so he would complete my
registration for me each semester. He was always accessible to the
students and helpful. He will be greatly missed by me and many
others.
Heather DarDar
Insurance and Financial Services 14863 West Main Street (Office) 208 East 53rd Street (Home & Mailing) Cut Off, LA 70345
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From:
Althans, Anita <AAlthans@olhcc.edu> |
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From:
bagnetto@cox.net
<bagnetto@cox.net
> |
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651am1122007 |
