James “Jim” Edwin Champagne

March 12, 1944 – April 2, 2023

James “Jim” Edwin Champagne, aged 79, of Denham Springs, died on the afternoon of Sunday April 2, 2023, at The Carpenter House Hospice in
Baton Rouge, LA. Jim’s passing follows closely behind that of his beloved wife, Darlene Reinert Champagne, who passed on March 13, 2023.
Jim was born on March 12, 1944 to Edwin C. “Brother” Champagne and Margret “Peggy” Atkin Champagne, in Laurel, Maryland. He grew up in
Baton Rouge and was a 1962 graduate of Catholic High School. Jim served in the Louisiana National Guard for five years. He was a
graduate of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute in Evanston, Illinois. He also held a BA from Southeastern Louisiana University. Jim had
long and distinguished career as a Louisiana State Trooper serving 21 years, 7 months, and 23 days, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He continued to serve the State of Louisiana as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commissioner under three governors.
Jim spent his second retirement playing golf, cheering on the LSU Tigers, and being Paw Paw. Jim and Darlene were longtime members of La Krewe
Mystique de la Capital. Jim is survived by his stepson Philip Melancon and his partner Chris Guillotte, grandchildren Elizabeth and Alexander Melancon, daughter
Michelle Champagne, son Michael Champagne, and brother Bill Champagne. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jane, and Darlene, his
beloved wife of 38 years. Condolences may be offered at