James Leon Pierce passed away Monday, February 16, 2009 at Harvest Manor Nursing Home, Denham Springs. He was 85, a native of Selma, AL. Religious services were held at Seale Funeral Home Chapel, Denham Springs conducted by Rev. Craig James. He is survived by his wife Grace Jordan Pierce, Denham Springs; son Mike Pierce and wife Leesa, Amite; stepchildren, Brenda Myers and husband Malcom, Kay Smith and husband Todd and Junior Carpenter of Denham Springs, Jerry Carpenter and wife Helen of Holden, Ira Cleveland, Amite, Starret Cleveland, Springfield, Phyllis Gatewood, Livingston; sister, Mildred Smart of Selma, AL; numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lume and Georgia Bird Pierce. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.