Historical April 1997 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Many neighbors who have resided in Skinker DeBaliviere for some time were shocked to learn of the passing of Jim L’Ecuyer on February 18. Mr. L’Ecuyer was a founder of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council in 1964 and served as its first executive director.
He worked with Washington University, St. Roch, Grace Methodist Church, and Delmar Baptist Church to stabilize our community. Because the neighborhood had become integrated, it was subject to redlining by the real estate and the insurance industries.
The work of Mr. L’Ecuyer and his colleagues made it possible for this neighborhood to prosper amidst its racial and socioeconomic diversity. L’Ecuyer lived on 57xx DeGiverville with his wife Glorianna.
There are three children: Rochelle, Marc and Christopher. Mr. L’Ecuyer was director of the Section 8 housing program for St. Louis and St. Louis County housing authorities in the 1970s and was later a broker at Feinberg Realty.
In this decade, he owned and operated Medicus Properties which handled health care facilities. L’Ecuyer’s family noted that he was quite shy about his accomplishments in the neighborhood.
He actually grew up in Skinker DeBaliviere, living on Delmar and on Waterman as a child.
After college he married and bought a flat on McPherson.
The family lived for thirty years on DeGiverville.
After finishing his work with the SDCC, L’Ecuyer remained involved with his block unit and aided neighbors if he could.
The family wanted to thank the community which provided a great deal of support to them during this period.
They asked that any donations be sent to Forest Park Forever at 5595 Grand Dr., St. Louis 63112.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April 1997.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1997_04.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
