James Charles Hoyle

James Charles Hoyle, 68, died September 23, 2017 in New Orleans. James was a career public educator and coach. He taught speech and coached football and basketball at Belle Chasse High School 24 years. He also served as Superintendent of Schools in Plaquemines Parish for nearly 10 years. In those capacities, he dedicated himself to improving the lives of thousands of children and consistently preached, “Always do the right thing.” Above all, James was a dedicated family man. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Hoyle, children, John Hoyle, Amy Gomes, and Elizabeth Konecni, and six grandchildren, Elliott, Lily, Charlotte, Jack, Tyler, and Ella. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Hoyle, and sister, Lisa Hoyle. To know James was to understand he lived life honestly and like a “big kid.” He saw the good in people and sought to make things fun – especially at the wrong times. He once made loud, inappropriate comments at a wedding, causing nearby family members to crack up with laughter at an otherwise dignified service. On another occasion, he sneaked out of a funeral service to check an LSU score. “Who, in their right mind, would hold a service during an LSU game?” he’d ask. “Inconsiderate of the living.” Things he loved: Swimming on Christmas Day in the neighbor’s pool while they were away on vacation; watching Elliott’s soccer games; apple fritters; listening to Lily play piano; cutting grass; old sweatshirts; well-done burgers; hoisting Charlotte on his shoulders at Mardi Gras; road trips; asking Alexa questions with Jack; opening presents; building block castles and knocking them down with Tyler; helping people solve problems; massage chairs; trash talking with Carl and his golf buddies; beating his son and sons-in-law at golf; shorts – even when it was too cold; sweets, teaching Ella to talk; pickup basketball; shopping at thrift stores; loud music; louder movies; and, making “dinosaur soup” with leaves, berries, rocks, and mud with all his grandkids. Dislikes: vegetables, weddings, funerals, and macaroni and cheese. As those who knew him understood, James faced two lifelong struggles that pulled him away from his yard, family, and sports: (surprise!) attending weddings and funerals. Because of this and at his insistence, no services will be held. Instead, honor him by (1) spending quality time with your family; (2) planting something beautiful in your yard; (3) helping someone in need; and, (4) eating an apple fritter. Arrangements entrusted to the Neptune Society of New Orleans.