John “Jack” Hooper, Former Chase Executive, Dies at 86

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News, Obituaries

Monday, August 03, 2009

John “Jack” Hooper, a former vice chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank, died Friday at his Westport home after a long battle with cancer. He was 86. WestportNow.com Image
John “Jack” Hooper: won fame as banker and pianist. Contributed photo

Hooper retired as the bank’s chief credit officer in 1985. Known affectionately by his colleagues as “Dr. No,” he had a responsibility for credit policy, country risk policy, real estate finance and lending services.

Born in Danbury, Hooper joined the Chase National Bank in 1948 after wartime service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

He served in various local and national departments of the bank before he was named executive in charge of Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa in the banks international department.

In 1971, he was sent by Chase to Detroit to become chairman and chief executive of the Bank of the Commonwealth. Chase held a controlling interest in the bank after it foreclosed on common stock that had been pledged as collateral on default loans.

Banking sources said it was the largest take-over since World War II, and probably since the time when big banks were failing in the depression.

After selling the banks position, Hooper returned to New York to work closely with the newly appointed banks chairman, Willard C. Butcher. In 1982, he was elected vice chairman where he remained until his retirement.

Hooper was equally known by his peers for playing jazz piano.

He could be found dazzling crowds at the American Bankers Association meetings and was known on occasions for tickling the ivory for foreign heads of state or jamming with the likes of Warren Vache, or accompanying such blues belters as Carrie Smith.

In addition to his piano playing, Hooper spent time as a ham radio operator.

Hooper received his bachelor’s and masters degree in business administration from the University of Michigan and was a member of the senior honors society the Order of the Angell.

Hooper was a member of the board of directors of Stone and Webster, and a founding director of the Community Preservation Corporation, a nationally recognized leader in helping developers fund and build affordable multifamily housing with $7 billion invested to date.

He was a member of the Laurel Valley Golf Club, Patterson Club, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Sleep Hollow Golf Club and Wilderness Country Club.

He is survived by one daughter, Dr. Judith Hooper of Ashford, Conn., one son, John, and his wife, Renee Hooper, of Fairfield, and one grandson, Nash Hooper.

Funeral services will be held Friday at noon in Christ and Holy Trinity Church, 55 Myrtle Ave.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Jazz Foundation of America, 322 W. 48th St., 6th Fl., New York, N.Y. 10036. This organization was founded to provide emergency assistance and long term support to veteran jazz and blues musicians. Visit at http://www.JazzFoundation.org.

The Harding Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Posted 08/03 at 11:22 AM

Comments: Comment Policy

I had the pleasure of working at Chase during the latter part of his career. One of the sayings at the time at the bank was when Jack sneezed, the whole bank got pneumonia. He actually was a very reasonable person who was fair and even handed and, as a result, had the respect of the entire organization. He was tough and saved the bank’s hide on many ocassions.

I’m sure the current situation in the banking sector was very troubling to him. If the industry had more Jack Hoopers, it would not been in the mess it is now in.

Posted by Charlie Haberstroh on August 03, 2009 at 01:24 PM | #

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