James Burl Humphries

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. James Burl Humphries, 88, of Monroe, LA. He departed this world on November 10, 2023, in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones. A funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 12, 2023, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home on Sterlington Rd. in Monroe, officiated by Stan Wyant. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 1:00 P.M. until the service commences.

Mr. Humphries was a cherished member of Swartz First Baptist Church for over 50 years, where his resonant voice enriched the choir in worship. He was also a member of the Herald Singers Quartet. A proud veteran, he served in the United States Marine Corps, embodying the values of honor, courage, and commitment. Following his service in the Corps, he embarked on a journey that led him to Kansas, where he worked for the Sperry Rand Corporation. Later, he and his beloved late wife, Sandra Gay Humphries, relocated to Monroe, Louisiana. Here, he made significant contributions to the construction industry, establishing Humphries Construction Company and working in the field until he retired at age 83. His legacy lives on in the roads and structures he built in the Monroe area. He even constructed bridges and dams in Africa. Dedicated to his craft, Mr. Humphries demonstrated exemplary workmanship and an unyielding work ethic throughout his career.

Beyond his professional life, he was a devoted family man, instilling a love for the outdoors in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through shared adventures in camping, hunting, and fishing. An avid hunter and fisherman, his passion for the great outdoors was infectious. He was also a skilled gardener, growing food that he and his family were blessed to enjoy together throughout his years.

Whether you knew him as Burl or as Pa, throughout his years, he was a man of integrity, wisdom, and love. He was generous and quick-witted, giving what he could to help those in his life, and he was always ready with a joke on tap for those fortunate enough to hear this great storyteller deliver a punchline. His love and laughter will be remembered and cherished, and he will live on in the hearts of those fortunate souls who were blessed to know him. 

Mr. Humphries was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Gay Humphries, his parents, Boyce and Lydia Humphries, and siblings, Clarice McInnis, Patricia Harrington, Gordon Humphries, and Clifton Humphries.

He is survived by his children, Geoffrey E.H. Adair, Kim Spencer, Eric Humphries and wife Tammy, and Cliff Humphries and wife Teresa; grandchildren, Caleb Burns and wife Cassidy, C. J. Robinson, Chris McKittrick, Leigha McGee and husband Nolan, and Dakota Ross McKinney; along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers, embodying the spirit of Mr. Humphries, will be Caleb Burns, C. J. Robinson, Chris McKittrick, Matt Moen, Christian Kukal, Allen Cannon, and Jimmy Cerda.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ron Hammett, Wayne Rutledge, Ida Manning, Mary Hodges, and Elara Hospice for their compassionate care during Mr. Humphries' final days.

May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved him and may his soul rest in eternal peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.