Pothier Jean Voorhies was born in St. Martinville, LA, on 5 July 1887, the son of Edward Gregory Voorhies and Alice Mouton Voorhies. He attended Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), where he played football and baseball, was a member of the first graduating class in 1903, and was the first president of the Society of the Alumni. He married Lucy Eve Comeaux (1890-1957) and they had two sons and two daughters. Voorhies died in Lafayette on 16 November 1968 and was buried at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

Voorhies spent his adult life in Lafayette as a businessman and civic leader. His principal business activity was the Lafayette Lumber Company, where he served as President and General Manager from 1914 until his death. He also served on the Board of Directors of Home Savings and Loan Association from 1914 to 1952. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and served as its President in 1932. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks, Woodmen of the World, Kiwanis and Rotary organizations. He served as district vice chairman of the Boy Scouts of America for 23 years. During World War II, he was Commander of the South Louisiana District of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for the area between Southwest Pass and Morgan City.