James Michael Trahan was born March 14, 1966, to the late Dixie Marie Trahan and Paul Whitney Trahan in Kaplan, Louisiana. Once James completed his schooling, he realized his love for hair, so he went and graduated from cosmetology school in 1997. Later in life, he started working on and fixing cars, deciding to get his mechanic certification in 2007. After working at a mechanic shop in Lake Charles, he worked with a top mechanic in a mobile shop, learning how to work on anything ever made.

James then taught himself how to lay floors and do carpentry work. The house we purchased had to be fixed from top to bottom, so he had plenty of experience. James could build anything from cabinets to swings to a whole room.

He was married to Juanita Kaye Trahan on September 9, 2005. He helped raise Diamond Rose and Dontay Michael Trahan, who has taken his name. Our daughter, Jayme Lynn Trahan, was born June 9, 2008. We have lived in the same house for the twenty years of our marriage. We've had our struggles, but there was always love. No matter what was going on, that's the truth. I cherish every moment, good and bad. I'm also thankful for everything he taught me—how to love, and that I'm stronger than I can even imagine. I'll love him forever and always.

He was a number-one New Orleans Saints fan. He loved growing a garden and working out in the yard—anything involving his hands. Smoking meats and barbecuing in the backyard was a favorite pastime for him. He liked playing basketball and baseball with the kids, and also spent time as a baseball coach for ten- and eleven-year-olds. In high school, he even played as a drummer in a band. You will be missed by so many. We will always cherish your memory.