James "J.H." Chapman

James "J.H." Hubert Chapman, Jr., born October 10, 1935, in Calhoun, GA was a Georgia farm boy who planted his life in Baton Rouge. Better known as J.H. in his hometown, he was a proud Air Force veteran, devoted husband, amazing father and Papa, and a friend to everyone he met.He set the standard high-and he never, ever met a stranger. His granddaughter, Faith often wondered how Papa knew so many people. He had an infectious smile, a sharp wit, and a way of making everyone feel like an old friend. Right up until the end, his spirit remained strong: "Just one more day!"Jim was married to his beloved wife, Melba, for more than 50 years before her passing in 2013. He came down to Louisiana from North Georgia for work and, as it turned out, never left. The two met in Lafayette, LA where he began his career in the financial world at a small-town credit union. Over the next 35 years, he built a distinguished career in the dynamic Baton Rouge banking industry. He began with Capital Bank in Card Services in the early 70s and eventually retired from Hibernia Bank in Correspondent Banking in the late 90s, at least twice. Jim traveled throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South, "calling on" hundreds of banks and building countless friendships along the way.Jim attended Louisiana State University and Louisiana Banking School of the South and was involved in numerous charitable and civic organizations, including the Rotary Club, Downtown Lions Club, and the Board of Directors of the Southwestern State Bankcard Association.His love of sports began early. At Calhoun High School, he was a sports star as a Yellow Jacket, playing halfback in football, competing in multiple track events, and playing guard on the basketball team. In 1952 & 54, respectively, his football and track teams won Class C State Championships, all while he worked hard on the family farm. Nothing could be done until those chores were finished!Jim was a faithful member of Broadmoor Baptist Church joining in 1964. In 2020, he and his daughter Danielle had the honor of serving as deacons at the same time. Our church family has been an amazing blessing and source of strength throughout his life, both through the joys and the sorrows.Jim leaves behind his loving daughters, Danielle Chapman Gremillion and Michelle Chapman Dwyer (son-in-law, Keith); grandchildren Blaine Chapman, Chase Croy, and Faith Gremillion; and four great-grandchildren: Vivienne and Daisy Chapman (Blaine and Anna), and Cooper and Liliana Croy (Chase and Jenna).He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Ann Verret Chapman; his son, Jamie - the third in a long line of James Hubert's; his parents, James Hubert and Nellie Jo (Faith) Chapman; and his brother, Howard Donnie Chapman, of Calhoun, Georgia.A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held at Broadmoor Baptist Church on October 9, 2026. (He would have turned 91 on October 10th!). Visitation will be held 12 Noon until 2:00pm. Service begins at 2:00p.m. with a reception following in the Activity Center, 9755 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815.