07/30/2026
The Village of Simpson extends its heartfelt condolences to the family on the passing of former Mayor, James "Freddie" Monroe.
Mr. Freddie Monroe dedicated years of service to his community and leaves behind a legacy of commitment and love for the Village of Simpson. As Mayor from 1972 - 1988 he worked diligently, but his public service was a calling and did not stop then. Mr. Freddie was a founding member of the Simpson Volunteer Fire Dept. as well as serving on the Vernon Parish Fire District Board. His love and devotion to this community continued throughout his life. If you passed through Simpson, you were likely to see him out working around the community. We honor his contributions and the positive impact he made on the lives of so many.
We mourn this loss and celebrate a life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Monroe Family and all who knew and loved him.
Please keep the Monroe Family and all grieving his passing in your prayers.
James “Freddie” Monroe, of Simpson, Louisiana, went to Heaven peacefully at the age of 87 years-old on July 29, 2026, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.
Born and raised in Glenmora, Louisiana, Freddie was born on August 25, 1938, to James Levie Monroe and Cleo Jones Monroe. He graduated from Glenmora High School Class of 1956. Freddie was dedicated to furthering his education. Unable to afford transportation on a working college student’s salary, he would hitchhike from Glenmora to Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, LA. He stayed in a barn caring for animals and worked at Dairy Queen to pay for his education while in college. As a man of many talents, he played trumpet in the LSU Tiger Band and was a member of the LSU Society for Foresters. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Forestry from LSU on August 12, 1960. He proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. On July 14, 1962, he married his wife of 64 years, Phyllis Monroe.
Freddie is a shining example of a hard-working man. He was the epitome of saying when the going gets tough, the tough get going. He was a District 2 Forester for Roy O. Martin for almost 40 years. After retirement, he worked at Fort Polk role-play, where he met many life-long friends. To know Freddie was to love him. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was present at every ball game, graduation and special event. He loved red-fishing and spent most of his free time in his boat. He believed in leaving a place better than he found it. He served as Mayor of Simpson, LA, for 16 years and was a proud active member of the Vernon Parish Fire Board for 30 years. He was one of the founders of the Simpson Volunteer Fire Department and distinguished as an LSU Certified Fire Instructor. Freddie’s legacy of loyalty, dedication, work ethic, community service, and unwavering love for his family will live on in the hearts of those dearest to him.
Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, James Levie Monroe and Cleo Jones Monroe; his sister, Dortha Nolan; and his brother, William (Billy Joe) Monroe. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis Monroe; son and daughter, Greg (Kathy) Monroe of Simpson and Ramona (Roger) Bennett of Simpson; grandchildren, Kaylee (Jeremy) Adams of Sugarland, TX; Garrett (Rachel) Monroe of Shreveport, LA; LeAnn (Travis) Daggett of Alexandria, LA; Lauren Bennett of Shreveport, LA; and adopted granddaughter and fishing partner, Nicole Crabb of Simpson, LA; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Corbin, and Cohen Adams of Sugarland, TX; Jonah, Jovie, and Judah Monroe of Shreveport, LA; and Samuel Daggett of Alexandria, LA; and numerous family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11 AM at Simpson Baptist Church, 4790 Hwy. 8 Simpson, LA, 71474. The funeral service will also be held Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 3 PM at Simpson Baptist Church. Burial will follow the funeral service at Welcome Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Simpson Cemetery Association (P.O. Box 336 Simpson, LA 71474), St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and Shriners Children’s Hospital. Serving as pallbearers will be Jeremy Adams, Garrett Monroe, Travis Daggett, Terrance Brown, Thermon Hillman, and Dannis Martin. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert McKnight, Albert (Alton) Sweat, Don Maloyed, and Doug Danzy. The family wishes to thank Heart of Hospice of Alexandria, Veterans Affairs Hospital of Alexandria, Sally Partin, and caregivers, Shantrelle Wright; Becky Phillips; Pat Santos; Alycia Hearn, Dr. Mallory (Gray team of the Veterans Hospital of Alexandria), and Dr. Budde of Encompass Hospital.
