James A. Hooper Jr.

James Alexander Hooper, Jr. Architect and former Assistant Professor of Architecture at McNeese State University and was the third teacher in that discipline for a tenure of 25 years. James departed this life with the strong faith, hope and love he had throughout his life for people no matter what their social status or wealth.

Born in Memphis, TN he began his education in the elementary middle and high schools of that city, graduating from Memphis Technical High School in May 1952. He continued his learning career at Memphis State College for two years in General Studies. Convinced by a cousin who graduated in Law from Tulane University, James traveled 425 miles south to pursue a five year degree at that institution which he received in May 1960. There were still two more academic milestones to come: after teaching 15 years at McNeese and with a sabbatical leave from his academic duties, he earned a Master of Architecture from Louisiana Tech University in 1976. The second post graduate honor came later in 2004 with an Honorary Master’s degree from Tulane.

James was a member of several professional societies; Corporate member of the American Institute of Architects, The American Association of University Professors, Construction Specifications Institute, N.F.P.A. and Tulane Alumni Association and Knights of Coumbus 4th degree, Council #3208. With a great love of Choral singing he was a member of The Lake Charles Messiah Chorus for 30 years under Dr. Francis Bulber and several other directors. This love of Classical and Traditional Music led him to sing many performances as a member of The Masterworks Choral of the Louisiana Choral Foundation under the direction of both Lamar Robertson and Dr. Darryl Jones. He also was choir member for the Cathedral Choir under several directors. Another cultural group he was a part of was with his daughter Marcia who was a dancer for many years in The Lake Charles Ballet Society’s Ballet Joyeaux under the direction of Ida Winter Clarke and Cissie Clarke, James and his wife Mary Ann were the Grandfather and Grandmother in “The Nutcracker” for several performances. James also was the Burgomeister in “Coppelia.” Rounding out his cultural participation were many pleasant hours at Lake Charles Symphony concerts, McNeese Faculty Music Recitals and Plays.

James was a devoted and dependable family man who loved and greatly valued his wonderful wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Leveque Hooper, their three fine children, Robert and wife, Leslie Hooper of The Woodlands, Marcia Trosper of Lafayette and Doug and Angie Hooper of Baton Rouge; four grandchildren, Allison and husband Garret Dumoit of Cyress, TX; David Jennings of Lake Charles; Kenneth Hooper of Austin, TX; Kevin Trosper of Lafayette; two wonderful great granddaughters, Addison and Sydney Dumoit; brother, Robert B. Hooper and wife Sherrie of Lexington, TN; sisters, Mary Ann Walsh of Renton, WA; Edith Wilkerson of Hernando, MS.; sister-in-law, Rosalie “Poddy” L. Champeaux; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.A. Hooper Sr. and Alice Laverne Sanford Hooper; sister-in-law, Jerri Hooper and brother-in-law, J. Joseph Champeaux II.

Mr. Hooper was a member of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and had served for several years as a Lector and Lay Minister of Communion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Monday, May 19, at of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Lake Charles. Officiating will be Fr. Charles McMillin, Fr. Scott Desormeaux and Msgr. Jace Eskind. Visitation is from 4-7pm Sunday, May 18, with a rosary at 6pm lead by Fr. Mike Barras in Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. Craig V. Broussard and Nurses Susan and Kim from Southern Care Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the Lake Charles Symphony, Louisiana Choral Foundation, Lake Charles Messiah Chorus, Lake Charles Dance Academy, or the charity of ones choice.