08/22/2026
The Guaranty Bank family joins the entire community in offering our condolences to the Hopson family. Hop, a former Chairman and President of Guaranty, is a vital piece of our history. He will be remembered fondly and missed sincerely. What a legacy.
*****
James A. “Jimmy” Hopson
September 18, 1939 – August 20, 2026
James A. Hopson, a lifelong resident of Delhi, Louisiana, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, public servant, and friend to countless people throughout Richland Parish and the State of Louisiana, passed away on August 20, 2026. He was 86 years old.
Born September 18, 1939, Hop spent his life in the community he loved. To those who knew him, however, his life was never defined simply by the positions he held or the titles that preceded his name. Hop loved life, and he loved people. He never met a stranger, and his genuine interest in others, warm personality, and love for his community left an impression on generations of people who had the privilege of knowing him.
In 1963, Hop married Suzybelle Nesom, the love of his life. Their marriage of more than sixty years was the foundation of his life and the beginning of the family that became his greatest source of pride and joy.
Hop devoted much of his life to the betterment of Delhi, Richland Parish, and the State of Louisiana. He served for a number of years as Mayor of the Town of Delhi, leading the community that had always been his home. He was also President and Chairman of the Board of Guaranty Bank, where his leadership and commitment helped serve the financial needs of the community and region. He also served in the Army Reserves for ten (10) years.
His public service extended well beyond Delhi. For more than twenty years, Hop served on the Louisiana State Gas Commission, including service as its Chairman. Through those many years of public and civic service, he earned the respect of people throughout Louisiana.
Yet for all his accomplishments, those closest to Hop knew that his greatest legacy was not found in an office, a boardroom, or a title. It was found in his relationships with people. He possessed a remarkable love of life and an equally remarkable ability to share that joy with those around him. He cared deeply for Delhi and Richland Parish and was, in every sense of the word, a pillar of his community.
Hop was a member of First Monroe and Delhi Methodist Church, and his Christian faith was an important part of his life.
He was proceeded in death by his parents W. Briggs Hopson, Sr. and Mary Jane Hopson, as well as his brother, Dr. W. Briggs Hopson, Jr.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzybelle Nesom Hopson; his daughters, Suzette Hopson Doughty and her husband, David, and Stacey Hopson Burgess and her husband, Mark; his grandchildren, James Oliver Doughty and his wife Kirstyn, Mary Caroline Doughty and Bri Olsen, and Jessica Burgess; and his great-grandchildren, Piper James Doughty and Chapal Ford Doughty.
For more than eight decades, James A. Hopson called Delhi home. He helped lead it, helped build it, invested in it, and, most importantly, loved its people. His passing leaves an absence that will be felt not only by his family and friends, but throughout the community and parish to which he gave so much of his life.
Funeral Services will be held at First Monroe on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor James Doughty and David Doughty officiating. Interment at Delhi Masonic Cemetery following the services in Monroe.
Visitation will precede the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Pallbearers are Todd Nesom, Mark Scurria, Phil Scurria, Eddie Stewart, Briggs Hopson, Jay Hopson, Dwight Clark, and Larry Rodden.
Honorary pallbearers are current and former members of the Guaranty Bank Board of Directors Albert Christman, Joe Quinlan, Francis Thompson, Dr. Ed Eiland, and Billy Calvert.
But the life James A. “Hop” Hopson lived, the family he loved, the people he befriended, and the community he served will remain his enduring legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to First Monroe Baptist Church or Delhi Methodist Church.
