James Edward Fagan, III

Jay was destined to be an adventurer. He packed his life filled with travel,  fine dining and a myriad of tales of the cocktail. He embraced--and was  embraced--by a large and loving family and scores of friends.  

His final journey ended late in the evening of July 10^th in the tender caress  of his loving wife, Donna, his two sisters, Maureen and Judi, and his  precious Westie, Enzo. 

Jay was preceded in death by his father, James Edward Fagan, Jr., and his  mother, Eva Hisky Fagan Reed. He is survived by his wife, Donna Trotter,  his sisters, Maureen Principi (Vince), Judi Schrichte (Bill), nephews, Philip  Principi (Jami), Eric Schrichte (Cindy), Josh Carlos (Virginia), and nieces, Alicia Whittington (Carson), Amy Phillips (Michael), Mimi Horrigan (Patrick),  Lisa Seidel (Brian), Kimmie Carlos, Lauren Molaison (Jamie) and many great nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his in-laws, Teryl Trotter  (Tim McElroy) and Karla Carlos. 

Jay was born on February 11, 1949, in Memphis, TN, and was a graduate  of Central High School where he was an active member of Sigma Phi  Omega fraternity. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from  Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and was an active member of  Kappa Alpha fraternity. He then obtained a Doctorate in Dental Surgery  from LSU School of Dentistry. Dr. Fagan practiced general dentistry in New  Orleans for several years. He completed his fellowship in Periodontics in  Boston, MA, and returned to New Orleans with offices in the metropolitan  area, including the West Bank and Covington. 

Jay’s best days were spent as an outdoor enthusiast. His passion and  energy were greatest when at the helm of a sailboat, whether it be in the  Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico or Lake Pontchartrain. In his winters, he  mastered the back bowls and double diamonds in scenic Vail, Beaver  Creek, and Aspen; the spring and summer months led him to his pool, the  beach and of course proving himself the best on the links with his golfing  prowess. Other days, he enjoyed more than a few chukkas with the ponies  on the polo pitch.

Jay was an avid storyteller. His stories, simply stated, were the best. They  were peppered into virtually every discussion he had – an oral history, of  sorts, that told about places he had been and were emblematic of a life  filled with adventure and humor. There was a particular cadence and style  that came with every “Jay Story”, told in a casual and self-deprecating  humility that made others feel as if they were there. With his extensive  knowledge of history, Jay could captivate the conversation with his “spot  on” facts on the subject at hand. His travels introduced him to many new  friends (even dogs) all across the world. 

Jay lived life to its fullest, saying yes to every adventure that beckoned him. His countless hobbies included sailing, golf, tennis, and polo. He was a  phenomenal cook, never glancing at a recipe or cookbook while borrowing  liberally from his home garden.  

His love of the water led Jay to become a certified master scuba diver which in turn led him to many dives in the great reefs in the Caribbean.  

Jay had a voracious appetite for old movies and an uncanny ability to recall  and recite details of movies, the actors and actresses, and the characters  they played. 

Jay realized his lasting romance with Donna. Discovering the globe  together, Jay and Donna eloped, exchanging marriage vows in the Greek  Isle of Santorini, and shared the best of their lives for the next 30 years.  

The family will always be grateful to the St. Tammany Health System  Hospice, and for the dedication from his caregivers, Cassandra, Bebe,  Jazz, and Chansonette. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the New Orleans area at a later date.  There will be a private interment for the immediate family.