V. J. Bila | Vincent Joseph Bila
V.J’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi on June 22 at 11:30 am.
V. J. Bila (Vincent Joseph Bila) was born on January 21, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana parents being Anthony (Tony) Bila and Josephine (Josie) Cutrera Bila both deceased. His father reminded him often how great a day it was with his birth because of a nice snowfall in the city.
He was raised in the small town of Patterson, Louisiana located in the lower Atchafalaya Basin close to the Gulf Coast. He felt fortunate to be located where hunting and fishing was so enjoyable. His early years were with scouting, camping and sports. His high school years were involved with basketball and boxing, but all his summers were with league baseball, shortstop being his position.
To his father, he attributed learning the importance of hard work to succeed as well as the importance of family. He attributed the passed-on qualities of his mother being love, caring for others, faith in God, and the simple appreciation of life itself.
With his father's and mother's help, constant encouragement, financial assistance and hard summer employment, he attended Louisiana State University (LSU) obtaining a BS degree in Petroleum Engineering. He accepted a job with Halliburton Services but shortly after responded to his nation's calling for service within the military. He served in the United States Army during the Cold War period, and he spent this time in France with the responsibility of managing the resupply of fuels to all the aviation bases.
In France, he met his lifelong sweetheart and love of his life Catherine Tertrais. She and her parents immigrated to the United States. He returned to work for Halliburton Services and was passionate about the oilfield. He held many positions including Division Engineer, District Manager, Assistant Division Manager as well as Worldwide Marketing Manager. He authored several technical articles published in "World Oil", "Offshore", and "American Oil and Gas Journal". He often attributed his success as the result of his supportive and faithful wife.
Upon retirement, he and Catherine relocated to San Antonio where he worked with Don Smith Co Land Development assisting families with homesites in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas which became his final resting place.
V.J. was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He was a volunteer of Mobil Loaves & Fishes and the Men's Club. VJ & Catherine were married for 65 wonderful years.
He is proceeded by both his parents Josephine Cutera Bila and Antony Bila as well as his younger brother Lucien Gerard Bila. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Tertrais Bila, his sister Antoinette LeBlanc. He and Catherine's children Vera Bila, Christopher & Angie Bila, and Gregory & Amanda Bila all of which reside in San Antonio. Additionally, his grandchildren are Denise Chaloupka, Monica Tristan, Charles Chaloupka, Madeleine Bila, Carter Bila, Clare Bila and Christian Bila. There are also 3 great grandchildren Anthony, Amber and Aaron.