Prayer Focus for Today

Please pray for pastors of our churches. May they continue to share God’s Word and be a source of strength and encouragement to others. May their messages touch hearts and guide people as they seek to follow God.

Daily Bible Reading

• March 22
• James 1-5

Obituaries

James “Jim” Louis Tryniecki

May 16, 1944 – March 20, 2025

James “Jim” Louis Tryniecki, a resident of Amite, Louisiana passed away at 3:37 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Alexandria, surrounded by his loving daughters and family. Born on May 16, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana he was 80 years old. Jim was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother and faithful friend. 

His memory will be cherished by his daughters: Melissa Bordelon and husband Nic of Hammond, Debbie Gallagher and husband Mike of Alexandria, and Angela King and husband Tom of Mandeville. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Kelsey (Jake) Kojeski, James Bryce Bordelon, Karley (Nick) Fontenot of Hammond; Maddie Gallagher, Kaitlyn “KK” Gallagher, and Shawn Gallagher of Alexandria; Alex Dumestre, Adam Dumestre, and Hunter King of Mandeville. He was blessed with a great-granddaughter, Serena Fontenot; sisters, Val Lambert (Randy), Jan Ledet (Julian); and brother-in-law, Vince LaBarbera were his closest family, and their love meant the world to him.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Linda Ritchie Tryniecki; parents, Joe and Ida Tryniecki of Amite; in-laws, Robert Virgil and Nita Ritchie of Bogalusa; sister, Sara Ann LaBarbera of Amite; and sister-in-law, Juanita Trout of Red Deer, Canada.

Jim’s faith in Jesus and his journey to heaven were always his top priorities. He was happiest when surrounded by his wife, his “girls” and grandchildren. Jim devoted his professional life to the countless students he taught as an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at Southeastern Louisiana University for 35 years. He earned his Bachelors degree and Master’s in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University.

A member of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Helena Council 10911. An avid runner, nicknamed “The Polish Racer,” he was often seen outpacing his Southeastern students during his runs and enjoyed participating in numerous road races across the state, from 5Ks to marathons. A HAM radio operator (K5WGO), he was also a skilled archer, often using his expertise to shoot wires into trees for his radio tower setup. A talented craftsman and creative problem solver, “PawPaw Jim” could fix anything! He cherished the time spent with friends who shared these hobbies.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Christus Hospice St. Frances Cabrini of Alexandria for their exceptional care and compassion during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim Tryniecki Kinesiology and Health Studies Memorial at southeastern.edu/memorial. 

Services will be held on Monday, March 31, at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. The Holy Rosary will begin at 8:10 a.m., followed by visitation from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., with Mass at 12:00 p.m. Internment will take place at St. Dominic Cemetery in Husser. 

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Henry Gerald Griffith

September 15, 1952 – March 21, 2025

Henry Gerald Griffith, 72 of Kentwood, LA passed away Friday, March 21, 2025 at the St Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born Monday, September 15, 1952 in Union, Mississippi.

A Memorial Service is currently set for Tuesday, March 25, at First Baptist Church in Kentwood. Time to be announced soon.

How can we describe a man like Gerald?  He was known as a man that wore a lot of shoes and was a lot of things to a lot of people. He would go above and beyond to help and be there.  It was said that if they needed a real live elephant at church, he would find a way to get it through the door.  He will most definitely be missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Bolian Griffith; father, James Elvis Griffith; mother, Clara Mae Nazary Griffith.

Survivors include his daughter, Melanie Harrell of Kentwood, LA; grandchildren, Gabriel Harrell and Victoria Harell; brother, Wayne Griffith; sister, Renee Griffith Maske; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Gerald’s family would like to extend a huge thank you to the Kentwood and Osyka Fire Departments for their love and support during this season of life.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Osyka or Kentwood fire departments.

An online guestbook may be signed at http://www.sharkeyfuneralhome.com

Sunday School Lesson

(If you don’t have a regular S.S. lesson, you can study these verses on your own.

• “Our Witness’
• I Peter, 2:11-17, 21-25

How will you be an encourager, a friend, a helper, a sharer, etc. today?

Thank-you for being the special person you are. May you find a way to minister to someone else today!

Anna Lee