James Harold Sonnier, Jr 6/20/1944 – 6/30/2025 James Harold Sonnier Jr. (Dusty), born June 20,1944, left this world on Monday, June 30, 2025 to rejoin with his wife of 54 years, Carolee Tadda Sonnier (born Addison). There will be a memorial service at East Ridge Baptist Church, 5400 Hwy 397, Lake Charles, LA 70607 on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with the gathering starting at 10:00 at the church. In lieu of flowers, Dusty would like donations to the East Ridge Baptist Church building fund or to the charity of your choice. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Harold Sonnier Sr and stepmom Joyce Sonnier, his mother Oraline Marie Peveto (born Vincent), stepdad Markel Peveto Sr and one sister Cynthia Peveto Vincent. Those left to mourn his loss are his son Clay Jason Sonnier (Tisha), his grandchildren, Keirstyn, Rocky and Kolby Sonnier, and one great grandchild, Harper Malloy, his brothers Dan Sonnier (Tami) and Markel Peveto (Sandra LeDeux), his sisters Joy Sonnier (Edward Moseley) and Tina Peveto Royer (Jeff), his extended Addison family, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dusty had many life adventures starting at a young age while living with his Air Force dad and constantly moving around. Dusty graduated from Fairborn High School in Ohio. He moved back to Sulphur and attended McNeese State University studying Biology. At that time, he met and married Tadda. Joining the Air Force, he went to school at Indiana University and then moved to Germany as a Russian Linguist specializing in Voice Intercept Processing. After this, Dusty and Tadda moved back to Lake Charles, where he continued his studies at McNeese earning a BS in Psychology. He worked many diverse jobs, including professional photography, sheriff deputy, industrial insulation, newspaper typesetting, and insurance. He finally found his calling as a high school science teacher, where he sponsored many clubs including chess, computer, and physics model rocket projects. He had many hobbies and earned recognition in all of them including the genetic creation of three colors of Beta Siamese fighting fish. He enjoyed collecting bonsai plants, and he did rock hunting in every area of the US and Germany, especially looking for Geodes and precious metals. He loved chess and competed in competitions against chess masters. After retiring, Dusty took up carpentry and created beautiful pieces. Because of his love of music, he began making Hammered Dulcimers. The family would like to thank the staff at Harbor Hospice for the excellent care they gave him at the end, and friend Brandan McCready and his family. It is much appreciated. Condolences can be made at heritagefuneralhomellc.com/obituaries.