James Pius Golden

James Pius “Jim” Golden, 87, of Troy, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2026, tucked safely into his own bedroom, surrounded by his family—just as he wanted. He leaves behind a legacy of adventure, determination, and a life lived to the fullest.

Born on October 4, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Bernise Pitchford Heard and Thomas “Skipper” Heard, Jim grew up in Baton Rouge, graduated from Catholic High School in 1956, attended Louisiana State University, and proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Jim’s tenacity and adventurous spirit shaped every chapter of his life. As a young boy, he secretly rode his bicycle to church each Saturday to learn the Latin responses required to serve Mass as an altar boy. Determined to succeed before sharing his goal, he kept his efforts hidden from his parents until he passed the test. That quiet determination became a hallmark of his life.

Over the years, Jim wore many hats. He was a radio disc jockey, pilot, builder, auto shop owner, real estate developer, entrepreneur, and salesman. He never met a challenge he didn’t want to tackle or an opportunity he wasn’t willing to pursue. His career eventually led him to California, where he spent three decades with the Yellow Pages in advertising, traveling throughout the state, meeting people, and building relationships. More importantly, California is where he met the love of his life, Judy Rich Golden. Together they shared 42 wonderful years of marriage, raising their family in Palos Verdes and building a life filled with laughter, travel, and adventure.

Jim officially retired at age 55 with plans to settle in Florida. En route, he and Judy made what was supposed to be a brief stop in Troy, Alabama, to check on an apartment development he owned. That quick stop unexpectedly became home for the next 30 years. Real estate remained one of Jim’s greatest passions. He loved buying, selling, developing property, and especially negotiating a great deal. He had an eye for opportunity, an innovative mind, and the determination to turn those ideas into reality.

Jim loved to travel and believed there was always another destination worth exploring, another adventure to experience, and another meal to try. Whether playing golf, tennis, or racquetball, he stayed active. He also cherished evenings around the card table, where countless games of gin, Rook, and backgammon became the backdrop for the legendary “Jim Golden stories” his family will tell for generations.

His love for Louisiana State University ran much deeper than football. Jim’s father served as LSU’s first Athletic Director from 1933 to 1954, and Jim spent much of his childhood roaming Tiger Stadium and the LSU campus. Some of his happiest moments were Saturdays in Death Valley, sitting in the family seats passed down from his father, with his children beside him, surrounded by a sea of purple and gold. Cheering for the Tigers was never just about the game—it was about family, tradition, and carrying forward a legacy he treasured.

Above all else, Jim’s greatest accomplishment was his family. He cherished them deeply and taught them to work hard, take the trip, embrace life’s experiences and live every day to the fullest. When faced with advanced cancer, Jim met it with the same courage, grit, and determination that defined his entire life.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Rich Golden, who was his fiercest protector, greatest advocate, and constant source of strength throughout his illness. He also leaves behind his beloved children: Jamie Golden Campbell (Newton), Amanda Green Bradshaw (Josh), Glen Pitchford Golden (Karma), Richard David Golden, David Todd Golden (Ann), James Brian Golden (Crystal), and Shannon Lynn Golden.

He was a proud grandfather to Mary-Jane Campbell, Newton Kenneth Campbell III, Kameron Sullivan (Zachariah), Richard Maddox Golden (Lacy), Tanner Golden, Courtney Golden, Nicholas Golden, Evan Golden, Olivia Golden, Zoe Golden, Gregory Golden, Evie Golden, Catherine Noel Nipper, Elizabeth Nipper, and Benjamin Nipper; and a proud great-grandfather to Evelyn Grace Sullivan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernise Pitchford Heard and Thomas “Skipper” Heard, and his beloved granddaughter, Ashly Golden.

Honoring Jim’s wishes, funeral services will be simple and joyful. Visitation will be at 10:00am on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Green Hills Funeral Home with a chapel service at 11:00am.  Because of his lifelong love for LSU, family and friends are encouraged to wear a touch of purple, gold, or even tiger print in celebration of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic High School, 855 Hearthstone Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Jim’s extraordinary caregivers and his compassionate hospice nurse, Terry, whose flawless, compassionate care allowed Jim to remain peaceful, comfortable, and surrounded by dignity in his final days.

The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Golden family.