MORGAN CITY, LA — With deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the Morgan City community mourns the passing of James McCleary, a 76-year-old resident whose life came to a tragic end following a vehicle accident on Louisiana Highway 182 on July 4, 2025. What should have been a day of celebration turned somber as news of the crash spread, leaving friends, neighbors, and loved ones grieving the loss of a man known for his warmth, integrity, and quiet presence in the community.

According to officials, the fatal accident occurred when James’s truck veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Emergency services responded quickly, and James was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly succumbed to his injuries later that day.

A Life of Steadfast Character and Community Spirit

James McCleary was more than a name in a news report—he was a father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor, deeply rooted in Morgan City. Over the years, James became a familiar and respected figure in the area, known for his friendly wave, his willingness to lend a helping hand, and his unwavering sense of responsibility. Those who knew him best describe him as a man of few words but deep character, someone who always showed up when it mattered.

“James had that old-school strength—quiet, steady, and dependable,” said a longtime neighbor. “He never looked for recognition, but everyone knew they could count on him.”

Whether volunteering with local efforts, fixing things around the neighborhood, or sharing stories over coffee, James left a mark on the people around him simply by being who he was—genuine, kind, and dependable.

A Tragic Reminder and Call to Safety

The suddenness of James’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the Morgan City area, and it serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of road safety. Preliminary reports suggest that James may not have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, a factor that could have contributed to the severity of his injuries.

Local officials and first responders are using this tragedy to reinforce a crucial message: wearing a seatbelt can save lives. It’s a small action that can make a life-or-death difference—and honoring James’s memory by promoting safety awareness may help prevent future heartbreak in other families.

Remembering a Life Well Lived

James’s passing is being felt deeply by his extended family, longtime friends, and the wider Morgan City community. A memorial service is expected to be held later this week, where loved ones will gather to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to the life he lived.

Stories are already being shared—about James’s love for fishing, his legendary Sunday barbecues, his dedication to those he loved, and the simple, generous way he moved through the world. While his absence is painful, the memories left behind are rich, comforting, and deeply cherished.

A Final Farewell

Though his journey on this earth has ended, James McCleary’s spirit lives on in the many lives he touched. His was a life of quiet dignity, of steady love, and of service to others—not with grand gestures, but in everyday kindness. In honoring James, the people of Morgan City not only grieve a dear soul but celebrate a life that reminds us what truly matters: showing up, giving back, and loving one another without condition.

Rest in peace, James. Your legacy lives on in the roads you traveled, the people you helped, and the community that will forever miss you.