Julius Simon
Julius Simon was born in 1921 in New Orleans. Julius attended Fortier High School in New Orleans, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Rho, a Jewish fraternity. After graduation, Julius attended Louisiana State University, graduating from the School of Engineering in 1943. During World War II, Simon joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant. After the war, Julius worked in oil fields throughout the Southeast as a junior field engineer before meeting and marrying his wife, Mae. They settled in New Orleans, and Julius spent his career as an Executive Officer with Eckco Fabricators.
Julius traces his family's heritage and background; his grandfather's generation immigrated to New Orleans. Julius talks about growing up in New Orleans in the early part of the 20th century - his confirmation at Temple Sinai, the Jewish holidays, the death of his parents, racial segregation, and experiences in high school and college. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in engineering, Julius joined the Corps of Engineers. He served aboard a ship in the North African campaign of World War II. Julius discusses his post-war career in the oil fields, traveling around the South where he encountered many instances of antisemitism, before settling down in New Orleans when he met and married his wife, Mae. Two days before Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, Julius was at Tulane Medical Hospital for surgery. Through the storm, he stayed in the hospital but was evacuated by helicopter to Southwest Medical Center in Lafayette. Finally, Julius describes his recovery from the surgery, reuniting with his family, and their life in Lafayette.
