August 10, 2016
Retired prominent and attorney, and USN Captain, James E. Toups, Jr. died Wednesday, August 10, at St. James Place after a long illness with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. He was 76. Jim was a native of New Orleans and a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. He graduated from Baton Rouge High, and attended Tulane University on a Naval Scholarship where he was President of his fraternity, Kappa Sigma. He graduated in 1961 with a major in Physics and a minor in Math. It was at Tulane that he met the love of his life, Betsy, and they married shortly after his graduation. Jim then served two years as a young officer aboard the USS Turner Joy. He loved the Navy! He stayed an active member of the Naval Reserve, retiring as a Navy Captain in 1990. He was a Blue and Gold Officer for the Naval Academy for 34 years. Jim graduated from LSU law school in 1968. He was a practicing attorney in Baton Rouge for 38 years, and a partner in the law firm of Breazeale, Sachse and Wilson. He was President of the Baton Rouge Bar Association in 1985, and served in the Louisiana State Bar Association House of Delegates for 10 years. He was board certified in Estate Planning and Administration, and he was a member and former Chairman of the Baton Rouge Property Lawyers’ Group. Jim served as President of the Catholic-Presbyterian apartments and served on the board for 18 years. He served as President of the City Club; Chairman of the Baton Rouge Assembly; President of the Baton Rouge Round Table; President of the Home-School Association of St. Joseph’s Academy. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Cathedral and was an usher there for many years. Jim enjoyed many fun times with friends at the Les Saisons, Bal Societe and Revellers dance clubs. He loved a great party! Jim was an avid LSU fan and loved to travel. He was especially fond of France and Italy where he enjoyed the wonderful sights, food and wine (and gelato!). Jim was a devoted husband and he was so very proud of his children and grandchildren. Despite his many community activities, family always came first. He is survived by Betsy, his wife of 54 years, his son, Jay, and his wife, Nina, of Oakland, CA, and daughter, Lacy, and her husband, David Dienes, of Dallas, TX; three brothers: Bob (Betty) of Beaumont, TX, Joe (Paula) of Baton Rouge, and Bill Toups of Raleigh, NC. He is survived by four grandsons: Jack and Patrick Dienes and James and Davis Toups, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He has one surviving aunt, Adele Redditt Williamson. Jim was a true gentleman; he loved life, and was loved by many.