Fr. Jimmy Jeanfreau, pastor of Marrero Catholic church, killed in tragic woodworking accident
Father 'Jimmy' Jeanfreau was pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish.
The Rev. James "Jimmy" Jeanfreau Jr., pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Marrero, was killed in a freak woodworking accident at a shop on the church campus, Jefferson Parish authorities said Tuesday.
Jeanfreau, 60, sustained traumatic injuries while working with a lathe, a machine that rotates wood for shaping, the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office said. Investigators suspect he died Monday night.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office received a call about 9 a.m. reporting a medical emergency at the church campus, 4401 Seventh St., said Capt. Jason Rivarde, a Sheriff's Office spokesperson. Deputies found Jeanfreau unresponsive and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
"There is no suspicion of foul play," Rivarde said.
The campus also houses Immaculate Conception School, which was in session when deputies arrived. Students in grades third through seventh were told of Jeanfreau's death during an assembly at 2 p.m., according to a letter sent to parents by school Principal Kim DiMarco.
"It is with great sorrow that I share the news of Father Jimmy Jeanfreau Jr.'s death. Out beloved pastor died in a tragic accident sometime last night and was found this morning by ICS staff," DiMarco said in the letter.
The school plans to make counselors available for faculty, staff and students for the rest of the week. A prayer vigil is also scheduled for 6 p.m. at the church.
Jeanfreau was ordained as a priest in 1992 and served at a number of New Orleans area churches, including Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse, St. Catherine of Siena Church in Metairie, St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Slidell and St. Jerome Church in Metairie.
He was also the director of the Pontifical Mission Societies at the time of his death.
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