James "Jim" Earl Radford

James Earl (Jim) Radford, 71, lovingly known as “Slim,” was born in Mansfield, Louisiana, on July 30, 1953, and passed away in Shreveport, on December 31, after a lengthy illness. Slim was a lifelong resident of Mansfield and a die-hard LSU fan, bleeding purple and gold every Saturday during football season. Slim grew up attending Mansfield’s First Baptist Church, and made sure that his mother made it to choir practice and Sunday services in her later years.

Known as the family’s GOAT, Slim lettered in three sports at Mansfield High School: football, basketball, and track. In 1970, Slim was the starting quarterback in his senior year at MHS. With his strong quarterbacking arm, he threw the javelin as a member of the MHS track team and also was a high hurdler. In the spring of 1971, Slim helped the MHS track team win its first state championship of the five the Wolverines would subsequently win. “(He was) one of the very best quarterbacks and hurdlers that I’ve ever coached,” said former MHS head coach Maxie Hays. “I love Jim Radford. He was a wonderful young man.”

Upon graduation, Slim attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and was the starting quarterback on the freshman football team. Slim later attended Louisiana Tech University. After returning to Mansfield, Slim worked at International Paper Company until he retired.

Slim was known as a humble man, who didn’t mind sharing his insights into life, politics, and the LSU Tigers, always with a sly sense of humor (sometimes appropriate, sometimes not.) But home and family were always nearest to his heart. He credited his dad for encouraging his brother and him to excel in sports and inspiring the Radford family’s passion for the LSU Tigers. He often spoke about Sunday dinners after church growing up and his mother’s famous chicken and dumplings and chocolate pie. Slim was keenly aware of how lucky he was to grow up in a home with such loving parents and siblings. In recent years, more than anything, Slim loved to hear his four grandchildren call him “Pop,” as they gathered around him. Along with his son and daughter, the grandchildren were truly his pride and joy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Odell Radford, Sr., and Helen Posey Radford. He is survived by his children, Jessica Radford Phares (Jermy Phares) of Cary, North Carolina, and James Matthew “Matt” Radford (Buddye) of Logansport, Louisiana; his brother, Bill Radford, Jr. (Jeanie) of Mountain City, Tennessee; his sisters, Gwen Radford Penny (Michael) of Jackson, Tennessee, and Pat Radford Eddington (Mark) of Keller, Texas; his grandchildren, Mary Helen Phares, Emma-Grace Radford Parks (Jackson), Alyssa Faye Radford, and James Owen Radford; his soon-to-be-born great-grandson, Ledger Silas Parks; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Slim is also survived by the children’s mother, Lisa Chamberlain Radford of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Travis Bedsole, Landon Carter, Mike Cooke, Ronnie Hill, David Hornsby, and Tommy McMillan.

Visitation will be Friday, January 3, 2025, 6-8 p.m. at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield. A celebration of Slim’s life will be Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, with his cousin, Pastor William Valentine, leading the service. A private family graveside burial will follow the service.