Julius Joseph Cortez Jr.

Julius Joseph Cortez Jr., JC, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully at his home, Thursday, August 19, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

JC was born June 18, 1941, in Morgan City, the son of Julius Cortez, Sr., Jules, and Elma Cortez Percle.

JC was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserve as a SP4 in 1966. He lived in Brownsville, Texas for 10 years where he spent his teen years shrimping. When he returned to Morgan City, he began his 30-year career as a welder and then yard supervisor for Raymond Fabricators and McDermott, Inc. JC was also a volunteer dispatcher for the Morgan City Fire Department; however, he was most proud of the 17 years he served as a member of the Morgan City Police Department Auxiliary where he protected the citizens of Morgan City with his partner, Dennis Billiot.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by one son, Eric Cortez of Baton Rouge; three daughters, Paula Pisani and husband Joesph of San Antonio, Julie McCarty and husband Bill of Morgan City, Holly Barbier and husband Dwight of Morgan City; two sisters, Diane Aleman of Morgan City and Gaydale Aucoin of Pierre Part; one brother-in-law, Donald Billiot of Morgan City; one sister-in-law, Priscilla “Chill” Billiot of Morgan City; five grandchildren, Jeffrey Pisani and wife Ruby, Meghan Ciaccio and husband Trent, Reagan Barbier, Jill McCarty, and Beth Barbier; three great-grandchildren, Scarlett Pisani, Michael Ciaccio, and Tucker Ciaccio; two special nieces, Debra Foster and Janet Broussard. JC is also survived by other nieces and nephews.

JC was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Linda Billiot Cortez; one daughter, Carla Cortez; parents, Jules Cortez and Elma Comeaux Cortez Percle; stepfather, Harvey Percle; and one brother, Sidney Cortez.

Pallbearers will be Joe Pisani, Bill McCarty, Dwight Barbier, Jeffrey Pisani, Austin Esquivel, and Matt Johnson.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heart of Hospice for the care they extended JC during his illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 23, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Tran officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, August 23, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, Julius will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.