Baton Rouge, LA - James William (Bill) Courtney, 67, of Baton Rouge passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 14, 2025 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on September 26, 1957 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After graduating from Broadmoor High School in 1975, he started a family with the love of his life, Terri (Smith) Courtney. Bill worked in several manufacturing industries before joining ExxonMobil as a Process Operator in 1988 and advanced to a Shift Team Leader before retiring in 2017 after 29 years. Bill's love of family, motorcycles and the Lord was obvious to all who knew him. Whether traveling overseas, riding his adventure bike to the Arctic Circle, hiking the Appalachian Trail or running the LSU lakes, Bill was constantly in motion and on a new adventure. An avid runner, Bill completed twelve marathons, numerous half marathons and one grueling 50k. In a true display of strength and perseverance, he completed the Louisiana Half Marathon earlier this year— while still undergoing chemotherapy. He was the rock of the family, exemplifying sacrificial love every day. He was an amazing husband to his wife Terri, the best Papa to his kids and grandkids and a loyal friend. Bill also served faithfully at his local church, The Chapel on the Campus where he attended services regularly. He took great pride in serving on the church parking and hospitality team, where he welcomed each guest with a wave, a smile, and a servant's heart. We will miss him terribly but know that he is in his new body in heaven, completely healed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Terri (Smith) Courtney; his mother, Toni (Dresser) Gilboy of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his sister, Erin (Charles Ray) Hall of Zachary, Louisiana; his sister Patricia (Den) Estess of Central, Louisiana; his brother Dave Goerz of Leawood, Kansas; and his children: Dustin Owen (Lindsey) Courtney of Kingwood, Texas; Eric Scott (Sarah) Courtney of Walker, Louisiana; and Kelli Courtney (Brandon) Castilaw of Denham Springs, Louisiana. He is also survived by several step-siblings and extended family members.

He was the proud grandparent of 11 grandchildren whom he loved fiercely: Amelia, Henry, and Molly Courtney; Camden and Isaac Courtney; and Emmie, Isla, and Ethan Castilaw; Zane, Katie, and Elijah Noble.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry W. Courtney of Baker, Louisiana.

Bill's love for his family was surpassed only by his love for Christ. His legacy of strength, faith, and love lives on in his family and all who knew him.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

To honor his legacy of love and care for his family, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support his grandson, Isaac Courtney's ongoing medical needs. Please contact IsaacCourtneyCare@gmail.com for more information.