November 19, 2024 | Osborn Funeral Home
Shreveport, LA – Jean Edgerton Pierson, Jr., affectionately known as Jay, Jay Bird, and Papa Jay, passed away on November 17, 2024, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of love, achievement, and service that touched countless lives. Born on July 9, 1946, in Natchitoches, LA, Jay lived a full and vibrant life that was defined by his deep commitment to family, his successful legal career, and his passion for golf.
Jay’s early years were marked by his involvement in school and athletics at Natchitoches High School, where he was a standout quarterback and leader, serving as Senior Class President and Mr. NHS. After graduating in 1964, Jay chose to attend Louisiana State University (LSU) rather than pursuing a football scholarship at Northwestern State University, driven by his desire to be near his lifelong love and sweetheart, Connie Corkern, his next-door neighbor. At LSU, he was a dedicated member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he held leadership positions as Treasurer and President. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Accounting in 1968, and soon after, he married Connie Sue Corkern and served with Air Force Reserves.
Jay’s career took him into law, where he earned his Juris Doctor from LSU in 1972. His work in taxation, estate planning, and employee benefits spanned four decades. Jay joined Blanchard Walker in Shreveport, LA, and worked there for over 30 years. In 2003, he transitioned to Regions Bank as Senior Vice President and Trust Officer. In 2013, he returned to Blanchard Walker as Of Counsel. Jay was admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, and the United States Tax Court. Jay served as President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Shreveport Bar Association and as a member of the Louisiana Law Institute’s Trust Code Revision Committee in addition to being a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. His legal expertise also led him to serve on various boards, including the City Bank and Trust Co., Sci-Port (where he was Chairman), the Hal Sutton Foundation, and Goodwill Industries of Northwest Louisiana. Jay was a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant who was an active member of First United Methodist Church serving on various financial committees.
An avid golfer, Jay’s athletic pursuits continued long after his youth. He won the Louisiana State Amateur, advanced to sectionals twice for the U.S. Open, finished 4th in the Pebble Beach Pro-am with his partner, Jim Furyk, and competed in numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Senior British Amateur and the U.S. Senior Amateur. His most memorable golfing year was 1986. He won the Shreveport City Amateur, qualified for the US Amateur, and his year culminated with a lifelong pursuit; winning the Alexandria Deep South 4-Ball with his brother Jim. Jay’s love for the game was not only in the competition but in the camaraderie and shared moments, particularly with family.
Beyond his professional and athletic achievements, Jay’s family was his cornerstone. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Connie Corkern Pierson, his sons, Jason (Shelby) and Ronald Pierson (Shelley), whom he was immensely proud, and his sisters, Mary Lou (Phil) and Patsy Pierson (Roddy), and sister-in-law Michele. As “Papa Jay,” he cherished his role as a grandfather to Christian (Abby), Parker, Chandler, Emilie, and Carter, and as a great-grandfather to Paisley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Virginia Pierson, his brother Jim, and his great-granddaughter, Olivia Grace Pierson.
Visitation will be held at First Methodist Church in Shreveport, LA, on November 21, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service. A burial service will take place at the American Cemetery in Natchitoches, LA, at 1:30 PM.
Pallbearers will include his grandchildren Christian, Parker, Chandler, and Carter, as well as close family and friends: Ronald Corkern, Lewis Jones, Bruce Lowe, Stanley Matthews, John Cox, Joe Pierson, and Jimmy Stevens. Honorary Pallbearers include: Jim Barnes, Buddy Braddock, Gerry Hedgcock, Don Pearce, and Knox Ridley; all of which held a special place in Jay’s heart.
Jay was a man of unwavering strength, our rock in times of need, always loyal and loving, showing us what true dedication and care meant. His memory will be treasured by all who knew him, and his legacy will continue through the lives of his family, his work, and the many ways he touched his community. Jay was a beloved Director of the LGA and a huge proponent for golf in Louisiana and he will be dearly missed.
About the LGA
The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to unifying the golf community across Louisiana. Since its inception in 1920, the LGA has expanded its scope to offer a variety of championships, including the Junior Amateur Championship and the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour. The LGA is committed to providing exceptional services in Championship Administration, USGA Handicap System oversight, and Rules of Golf authority, ensuring fair play and integrity throughout the state.
The LGA supports golfers of all levels through its Course Measuring and Rating services, comprehensive tournament management, and educational seminars on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. By partnering with entities like the Audubon Golf Trail and Gulf States PGA, the LGA fosters growth and inclusivity in the sport.
As the authoritative body for amateur golf in Louisiana, the LGA maintains the WHS Handicap Index, crucial for assessing individual performance, and continues to uphold the game’s traditions and values. For more information, visit LGA.org or contact us at 337-265-3938.
For Media Inquiries:
Maili Bartz
Director of Marketing and Communications
maili@lgagolf.org