James Humble

James Dale Humble, devoted husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend, passed away on Tuesday morning, January 5, 2021. He was 77 years old. Born in Baton Rouge on May 15, 1943, Dale was the sixth and youngest child of Michael and Lillian Humble; both preceded him in death, as did his brothers Mike, Tommy, and Don. His remaining siblings are his sister, Barbara Biletnikoff, and his brother, Robert. A class of ’62 graduate of Baton Rouge High, Dale helped lead the Baton Rouge High Bulldogs basketball team to win the state championship in 1961. He went on to play baseball at LSU and later joined the United States Army. On April 4, 1972, he married Shirley Mercer Humble, and in 1973, Dale and Shirley welcomed their daughter, Dawn Elizabeth Humble. Dale was hired as a pipefitter at Exxon in 1974 and retired from there in 2003.

Dale, a devout Catholic, was a strong and stubborn, yet gentle and patient man who survived so much. He beat cancer three times and bore with grace and without complaint the complications his illnesses left him with. Dale did the crossword puzzle every day and loved to read books and the daily newspaper. He had a terrible singing voice but always sang “O Holy Night” at least once every Christmas. He made the best fried eggs and pancakes. Dale is survived by his wife, Shirley; his daughter, Dawn; two stepdaughters, a stepson, and several grandchildren, including Ashley Knott, whom he raised. He will be dearly missed.

Dale, in the words of Vince Gill, “Go rest high on that mountain/Son, your work on Earth is done.” You will be remembered, and we will, each of us, cherish the memories we made with you.

Visitation for family will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home on Monday, January 11, 2021, from 2 p.m. until his funeral service at 3 p.m. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. His service will be filmed and placed on his Resthaven memorial page for those who cannot attend. The family asks that those who attend the service please wear a mask and observe social distancing. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to St. Jude, Dale’s favorite cause.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.