Mr. J. Pat Barrilleaux was born and raised in Thibodaux.  He is one of 13 children.  Mayor Barrilleaux has been married to the former Margaret Gros for the past 47 years.  They have seven children, Chris, Peter, Martha Steib, Theresa Benoit and Jane Falgoust of Thibodaux, Ann Barrilleaux of New Orleans and Mary Bourg who is deceased.

Mayor Barrilleaux has been a plumber since 1957.