James William Pharr

Funeral services for James William Pharr, 82, will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Ave. in Shreveport. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

James  was born in Magnolia, Arkansas, on August 29, 1940, and ascended to Heaven on June 4, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana, at the age of 82. James attended Fair Park High School in Shreveport and graduated from Southern State College in Magnolia. He was in the Coast Guard, was a pilot, and most importantly he loved being a Pharr Brother. James worked with his brothers at Pharr Brothers Construction until he started his own company in 1973: James Pharr Machinery. James traveled the world exporting heavy equipment and had friends on just about every continent. In his 50 years in business, he won a lot of awards, but he was most proud of serving as a Director of the North American Region for the IDA for over 25 years, receiving an award from the Secretary of Commerce for his exporting achievements in North Louisiana, and an award from the US Department of Commerce for his export efforts in the global marketplace.

James was a humble, hard-working man, who was selfless and would do anything for anyone. It was this servant’s heart that made him a role model for so many, and whether you knew him for a minute, or for years, you walked away loving him. James accomplished a lot in his life and career, but the thing he was most proud of was his family.

 He is survived by his wife Marcella; his two daughters, Carrie Pharr and April Lodatto; his grandchildren, Travis Poston II, Madison Lodatto, Jaxon Pharr, Harper Lodatto, and Coraline Anderson; his brother, David Pharr; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins that he loved dearly.

Honoring James as pallbearers will be Travis Poston II, Michael Anderson, Tony Traylor, Matt Pharr, Marcus Pharr, and Richard Pharr.