Funeral Services for James Alvin Snelling, 78, will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at Youngsville Community Church, with Pastor Andy Tribe officiating a celebration of life service. Interment will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park. 

Visitation will be held at Youngsville Community Church on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, from 10:00 AM until the time of Services.

A native of Ruston, Louisiana, and a resident of Broussard since 1974, Mr. Snelling passed away at 2:49 PM on Friday, November 11, 2022, in Lafayette. James enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and grandsons. He loved gardening, growing the best vegetables, and picking kumquats and oranges with his grandkids. He loved to travel with his family, especially to the mountains. He was known for caring for the birds and squirrels in the backyard. He loved his family and was strong in his faith, a true man of God. 

James is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cathy Dykes Snelling of Broussard; his daughter, Julie Michelle Prem, and her husband, Michael of Broussard; his son Steven Ray Snelling, and his wife Jodi of Lafayette; ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way; two sisters, June Kidd and Sherry Gwyn. 

James is preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt and Irene Wilkerson Snelling; his daughter Wendy Denise Snelling; four brothers, Ellis “Bubba” Snelling, Carl “Red” Snelling, Gary Wayne Snelling, and Lynn Snelling; and one sister, Iris Autrey. 

James was an oilfield man, starting his career with Geophysical Service Inc. (GSI) in 1964. In the '80s, he owned an oilfield service company, DOSCO (Doodlebug Supply Co). He finished his career with Fairfield Industries until he retired in 2013.

Christopher Snelling, Hunter Viator, Mike Prem, Benjamin Prem, Adam Prem, and Jeffrey Gwyn will serve as pallbearers.

Devon Snelling, Joshua Snelling, Mason Snelling, and Nick Prem will serve as honorary pallbearers.

David Funeral Home, 316 Youngsville Hwy Lafayette, La 70508 (337) 837-9887 will handle the arrangements.