Fire District Chief James E. “Jimmy” Schexnayder III of the East Bank Consolidated Special Service Fire Protection District of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, died May 27, 2023, after a courageous battle with occupational non-Hodgkins NK/T cell nasal lymphoma.

Chief Schexnayder’s career with the Jefferson Parish Fire Department started on August 27, 1990. He started as a firefighter and worked his way through the ranks to achieve the honorable position of district fire chief “140” of “C” Platoon. He was a technical rescue specialist, member of the Urban Search and Rescue Team, and a swift water rescue specialist. Chief Schexnayder was also a senior instructor for the LSU Fire and Emergency Training Institute. Chief Schexnayder dedicated 33 years of his life to the fire service.

In 2022, Chief Schexnayder was awarded the Americanism Award recognizing his professionalism, instrumental planning, and implementation of search, rescue, and street clearing for Hurricane Ida.
As much as Chief Schexnayder loved his career as a firefighter, his most beloved role was being a husband and father. His wife of 30 years, Charlotte, and their children, Dawson, Bayleigh, Chloe, and Luke Schexnayder, were his greatest love. He coached each of his children in baseball, softball, and basketball. He was a homeschool teacher to his children, a protector, and a spiritual leader to his family.

Chief Schexnayder was known as a career firefighter, but those who knew him best understood that his greatest calling was not only to fight fires and be a husband and father; it was to lead others to the Lord. He openly spoke about his faith and eagerly shared what the Lord had done in his life. He reminded his firemen and his family that courage didn’t come from training; it came from trusting God. He showed us all that faith wasn’t something practiced during the good times, but something lived every day. His life left a lasting mark in the department he served and in the lives of all who heard him testify about the Lord.

Chief Schexnayder spent his life serving others, loving his family, and faithfully pointing people to Christ. We thank God for the privilege of having him in our lives. We are all better for being loved by him.

2 Timothy 2:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.