Thomas James Bergman

"Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you." Baseball player Satchel Paige's quote was a favorite of Thomas James Bergman's and informed the life of this easygoing, self-appointed "slacker capitalist," who never met a stranger until he met his mortality on October 27, 2023, at his home, surrounded and cared for, lovingly, by his wife and daughters. Tom was 74. Tom was a driving force for Wednesday Night Live, a weekly, floating party treasured by his University Hills neighbors, which earned him the sobriquet "Mayor of Delgado Drive." He liked nothing better than sitting in front of his home, popping a cold one, and watching the neighborhood – and the world - go by. It was difficult not to be ensnared in a conversation, which could evolve into an invitation to their family game night. He was a charter member of the Perkinston Yacht Club (a canoe group that dreamed big) and an avid sports fan, who loved LSU and all State school teams. He would be proud to know his Fantasy Football team won five games this year. Tom was fond of the downtown Baton Rouge vibe, attending Live After 5, Sunday in the Park, and various events at the Manship Theater. Perhaps there's a memorial bench in his honor in downtown BR's future. Mardi Gras was his favorite time of year; he rarely missed any parades or Spanish Town Balls. A New Orleans native, Tom, moved to Biloxi in 10th grade, where he met his soulmate and wife of 47 years, Sherry. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, he taught special education before pursuing and attaining a Juris Doctorate from LSU's Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he also taught. Tom is survived by his wife, Sherry Simonich; daughters, Amber Bergman Lavergne and Allie Bergman; granddaughter, Olivia Lavergne; son-in-law, Shawn Lavergne; and his mother, Bette Heydrick of Florida. He is preceded in death by his father, James F. Bergman; and godfather, Bob Ardoin. Relatives and friends are welcome to join a celebration of Tom's life at the home of Jay and Nancy Byrd on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. for some "peace, love, and barbecue," his favorite complimentary close on all correspondence. Arrangements have been entrusted to McLin Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.mclinfuneralhome.com

Thomas James Bergman

September 16, 1949 - October 27, 2023