Gerard Raymond Carrigee

Gerard “Jay” Carrigee, peacefully passed from this life, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, April 18th, 2021 at the age of 68. 
Jay (aka Boom-Boom, Jerry and Peter –don’t ask) was the fifth of seven children born to Juliet and Henry Carrigee. He grew up in Algiers and during his formative years participated in Scouting, where he proudly attained the rank of Eagle Scout.  He graduated from Holy Cross High School and later, following his service in the U.S. Navy, from UNO, with a B.S. in Accounting.  Jay spent his entire professional career in the Oil and Gas Industry; first with Mobil Oil and then with Louisiana Land & Exploration, which eventually became Burlington Resources and then ConocoPhillips. Wherever Jay worked, and wherever Jay lived (from NOLA to Colorado, to London, to Texas and New Mexico) every co-employee and neighbor seemed to become a life-long friend – and Jay made every friend feel special and celebrated.
Those who knew Jay can attest to his ever-present and infectious smile.  His enthusiasm for life seemed to inspire everyone he met.  He would frequently remind his friends and family that “Life ain’t no dress rehearsal” and he certainly lived with a sense of urgency and joie de vivre that illustrated this mantra. His ideas always appeared to be bigger than life and he had a heart to match.   With six siblings, Jay learned to share at a very early age and his willingness to share became a defining characteristic of Jay’s life.  From heading up teams for such programs as “Christmas in October” to assisting every friend in need, Jay was always there to help – and usually conning others into helping as well! His service to others was one of the reasons he was selected for the honor of running the Olympic Torch for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.
After retirement, Jay and Carrie, his childhood sweetheart, devoted spouse of 49 years and reluctant participant in all of Jay’s adventures (and misadventures), moved to Birmingham, AL, where they could continue to be the loving and doting parents and grandparents to their two daughters and five grandkids. But Jay, being a true New Orleanian, would faithfully return to the City to attend the Jazz Fest, eat his fill of crawfish and to ride in Bacchus during Mardi Gras. 
Aside from his love of all things NOLA, Jay loved traveling the world. He was privileged to travel to 46 countries in his life, with plans to see more. He also enjoyed home projects -he was a DIY guy before do-it-yourself was popular! He built playhouses for his children and grandchildren, furniture and pens, among other items. Through his involvement in the Alabama Woodworkers Guild, he learned to make toys, which were donated to Children’s Hospital.
Jay is survived by his wife, Carrie LaJaunie; his two daughters and their husbands, Casey (Leo) Harlan (his favorite 44 year old) and Erin (Ben) Nolan (his favorite 40 year old); five grandchildren, Henry Harlan, Eddie Harlan, Alice Harlan, Caroline Nolan and Patrick Nolan and his six siblings, Henry, Tommy, David, Pat, Philip and Ricky.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 24th, 2021 at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119.   Visitation will be from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM for family members and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for all of Jay’s friends. Visitation will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:15 PM. 

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