James L. Begbie

Minden, LA James Lorne Begbie James Lorne Begbie was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on November 14, 1949 and lived an animated and creative life until Friday, March 11, 2016 in Minden, Louisiana. His gregarious and spontaneous personality filled each year with life to its fullest. His confidence and enthusiasm were contagious. To celebrate Jim's life, a memorial Eucharist will be celebrated at St. John\'s Episcopal Church in Minden on March 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. and officiated by the Reverend D. Frank Hughes. A small reception will follow. Jim was extremely proud of his education which began in Caddo schools and continued through his graduation from Sewanee Military Academy in 1967. He was a skilled cadet on Sewanee's Gorgas Drill Team. Also, he excelled on the school's swim team. His education continued at Louisiana Tech where he was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order with friendships lasting his lifetime. After his graduation in 1971, Jim returned to Shreveport, to become the third generation to be part of his family\'s business, Begbie Florist. Founded in 1905 by his grandparents, it was the oldest and largest florist in Shreveport. Inheriting the family\'s creativity and work ethic, Jim\'s elaborate creations were recognized in homes and businesses or for special occasions. With the addition of a catering business, special events by Begbie Florist became works of art. Jim\'s interest in people and community led to his active participation in local civic and social organizations. He was especially proud of his work with Holiday In Dixie. As president in 1983, he visited every public school to promote field days and was actively involved with the Open House and Annual Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base. Jim enjoyed participation in Shreveport's Metropolitan Planning Commission for three years, one year serving as Chairman. From his interest in catering, Jim opened Benedict\'s Restaurant in Shreveport. Later leaving Louisiana, Jim opened fine dining restaurants in Colorado Springs and Denver. In Colorado, he earned the coveted title of "Master Chef\", worked with other restaurant professionals in Denver, and served as Executive Chef for Lufthansa Airlines' Sky Chefs. Jim returned to Shreveport in 2004, moved to Minden in 2008, and worked as chef for the Waterford Senior Community for one year until his retirement. Even after retirement, his friends and church family shared Jim's culinary presentations, demonstrations, and advice. Jim's final goal was to become a chef again. Faced with the probability of lifetime health issues, Jim made personal medical decisions for himself. Any chronic disease is heartbreaking; multiple problems are devastating. Jim won every battle against what became a series of medical problems. However, he knew the inevitable: he would lose his war. The chef would be extremely surprised to know that he continues to live on in hearts of everyone who ever sat at his table and shared his food and stories. Of special note: during the last week of his life, a short flash of the real Jim could still be seen with new ideas for cooking again or even teaching his beloved math or history. His enthusiasm was still contagious. Left to honor Jim's life are his wife and caregiver, Vicci; brother Albert J. Begbie and wife Dianne of Monterey, CA; niece Carrie Westerfield, husband Scott, and family of Los Angeles, CA; and son James E. Begbie and three grandchildren of Shreveport, LA. Preceded in death are Jim's paternal grandparents, James W. Begbie, Sr. and wife Jessie and his parents, James W. Begbie, Jr. and wife Daisy. The family would like to offer extreme thanks for patience and medical care to Minden professionals: Dr. Joseph E. Bolger and staff, Fresenius Medical Care, and Town and Country Health and Rehabilitation.In addition, our deepest gratitude is extended to Dr. Richard Campbell and Fr. Frank Hughes for years of unrelenting love, friendship, and counsel during our difficult journey. The family requests that flowers not be sent to honor Jim's memory during Lent. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a contribution to St. John's Memorial Fund (for James Begbie) be considered. Chef James Begbie lived what he preached: Ecclesiastes 3: 1--13. "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; . . . He hath made everything beautiful in his time . . . And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of his labor, it is the gift of God."