Advocate, The (Baton Rouge, LA) - July 12, 2005
Deceased Name: Noe Jr., James Albert

Louisiana broadcasting magnate James Albert Noe Jr., 77, died at his home of cancer on Sunday, July 10, 2005. Known as Jimmie Noe, he was president of Noe Enterprises Inc., owner and operator of KNOE-TV, KNOE FM/AM in Monroe and WNOE-FM/AM in New Orleans before its sale in 1989. A native of Monroe, Noe was the son of Gov. James A. Noe and Anna Gray Sweeny Noe, from whom he learned his love of gardening. Noe grew up in Monroe and lived briefly in Shanghai, China, with Gen. Claire Lee Chennault before China fell to communism. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant in the infantry. Noe earned a law degree from LSU and attended Tulane University, studying political science. Upon graduation, he worked in the oil and gas business. Noe then explored his farming skills by operating one of the first catfish farms in the state and, consequently, became president of Catfish Farmers of America. Noe then began working for his family's broadcasting business and managed WNOE in New Orleans for 16 years before undertaking management of the television and radio stations in Monroe and New Orleans. Noe declined numerous corporate offers to buy his broadcast properties, saying he preferred to remain true to his vision of a community broadcasting company. In 2003, the Noe family was honored by the Louisiana Legislature with a joint House and Senate proclamation of appreciation for 50 continuous years of television broadcasting excellence in Louisiana. An avid opera lover, Noe served as president of the New Orleans Opera Association for six years and served on its board for more than 20 years. He served as chairman of the Louisiana Cancer Society Fund Drive and served on the Northeast Louisiana University Foundation Board. Noe also served for 28 years on the board of directors of the Webb School in Tennessee, of which he was a graduate. Survivors include his lovely wife of 50 years, Betty Jane Schlesinger Noe; three daughters, Mary Elisa Deane, Erin Noe Young and Claire Lee Koch; two sons, James A. Noe III and George McRae Noe; seven grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces, among them his beloved niece, Dr. Anna Gray Noe. He was preceded in death by his sister, Gay Noe McLendon. Visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, on Thursday, July 14, from 9 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment in Metairie Cemetery.