A Tribute To A Man Who Was Loved By Many – The Junie Desporte Life Tournament

By: Aimee Hester

The weekend of June 14th was dedicated to a man who lived life to the fullest. Mr. Junie Desporte lost his life to cancer, and in his memory, his children have built a Foundation that will help those in need for years to come. Simply put, he WAS Biloxi. His Seafood Store on Division Street, was a place to gather for great food, laughter and good times. Well known, well liked, and dearly loved – Junie was a man who made a difference.

Friends spoke of his generosity and kindness. He was also remembered with great affection, as someone who was mischievous and knew how to have fun. Lifelong friend Andrew “Fo Fo” Gilich recalled childhood memories, “Junie was all about life. When we were younger we had a band. He did his best to sing, but he played trumpet pretty well.”

Angie, who was Junie's wife, told a story about a moment during Hurricane Katrina. “I was rushing around with buckets, as each part of the roof was blowing off, and we wound up in two rooms.” Her expression broke into a smile - Junie called to me, and said “why are you rushing around? Sit down, drink some beer and play some cards.”

Sponsors, friends and family came in great numbers to play golf and show support, to celebrate Junie's life in the Second Annual Life Tournament at Sunkist Country Club in Biloxi. He was a regular at Sunkist, until treatments for his illness robbed him of his energy. Children, Sean and Angel felt that the Foundation would be the most fitting way to honor their father. They said, “Despite his own battle, our dad was always worried about the other cancer patients. When he arrived for his treatment sessions, he would make it a point to lighten the mood in an effort to make everyone feel better. He was always telling jokes and trying to lift the spirits of the other chemo patients, never thinking of himself.” Junie's selflessness, and desire to make this world a better place, lead the Desporte family to establish the Foundation. Monies raised in Junie's memory are distributed to patients who live on the Coast. It is earmarked for those who do not have medical insurance, or cannot afford the medicines and treatments that they desperately need. Also, the funds are used to provide a more comfortable atmosphere in chemotherapy rooms.

Daughter, Angel reflected on the weekend, saying it was bittersweet. The Sponsor Party kicked off the celebration, which began at the IP Casino. Friends ate, drank, and shared stories about their friend. Larry Kostmayel, who was one of Junie's oldest and closest friends said, “He never knew a dull moment and he was a great guy; he also loved his family more than anything.” The IP Casino, REX Distributors, FEB, Sunkist Country Club, and Hooters were partners in sponsorship of the tournament and the weekend festivities.

Everyone in attendance had a wonderful time at The Life Tournament, and it was a huge success. Junie's wife and children said it best, “We respectfully asked everyone to take on a mission throughout this tournament, to embrace the competition for its opportunity to share laughter, enjoyment, and camaraderie, and to remember a man who taught us to appreciate life... no matter what.”

(To learn more about the Foundation and to meet the family, stop by Desportes Seafood on the corner of Division Street and Porter in Biloxi. Or call 228-432-1018)