James L. Core, vice chairman of the St. Tammany Health System Board of Commissioners – a body on which he served with distinction for more than 41 years – died Saturday. He was 82.
A retired businessman and co-owner of Covington Paving Co., Mr. Core leaves behind a legacy as a dedicated public servant, having served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and for six years as a St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputy.
Mr. Core later served for two decades as the superintendent of the city of Covington’s Streets department and director of Public Works starting in 1973. He also served for a time in the 1970s as a member of the St. Tammany Parish Exhibition Authority.
Mr. Core was first appointed by the St. Tammany Parish Council to the health system Board of Commissioners on July 14, 1983. He remained a member for the rest of his life, serving on its Executive Committee and, for the past 21 years, as the chairman of its Facilities Committee.
At the time of his 1983 appointment, Mr. Core was hailed by several Parish Council members for his integrity. It is that same quality for which he will be largely remembered, St. Tammany Health System President and CEO Joan Coffman said.
“Over 41 years on the board and two decades as chair of Facilities speaks volumes about how Mr. Core approached his role of commissioner, in which he served with the same pride, dedication, love and unwavering support that he offered his own family,” Mrs. Coffman said.
Mr. Core was a fixture at health system events and celebrations, Mrs. Coffman noted, and he was in particular awe of the dedication of its workforce, including its small army of volunteers and the medical staff.
“His guiding vision — with the community’s needs at the center — was instrumental in influencing our master facility plan for responsible growth,” she said. “He was the greatest of ambassadors for St. Tammany Health System, living our core values to the end. May God rest in knowing he has just gained a true and humble servant leader into his kingdom of heaven – a true man of honor.”
Mr. Core is survived by his wife, Susanne O. Core, DMD; his children, Joseph “Joe” Core, Christina Core DelVescovo, Amy Strain and Marshall Core; six grandchildren, Erika Erwin, William Strain, Anthony DelVescovo, Skylar DelVescovo, Easton Dagro, and Francesca Core; siblings Janet Susan Core and Patricia Ann Core; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Jim” J. Core and Juanita Hazel Bruhl Core.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by E.J. Fielding Funeral Home in Covington.
A wake will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at the funeral home (2260 W. 21st Ave., Covington). That will be followed by a 9 a.m. gathering and 11 a.m. funeral service Nov. 2 at Red Bluff Baptist Church (15204 Louisiana 1078, Folsom).
Interment will follow at Core Cemetery (Core Cemetery Road, Folsom).