Jimmy Chapman

Jimmy E. Chapman was born in September 1941 to Raymond and Fern Chapman in Albion, Michigan. For the next several years, throughout Rays deployment, Fern and infant Jimmy lived in the relative peace of the Chapman family farm. In '46 Ray discharged and promptly moved the budding family to the city of Battle Creek where young Jimmy spent the remainder of his formative years.

In the spring of *59 Jim graduated from Battle Creek Central H.S. and set out to forge a life for himself. Having spent much of his youth developing the necessary "know how", he was able to fashion himself a career as a machinist in the tool and die division of General Motors Fisher Body. After a few years of hard work, he married Charlene "Sue" Mason (*72) and bought a small farm outside of Vicksburg, where the pair built their first home and raised their three children. The years flew by, and the once bustling home grew quiet as the kids eventually moved out into the world.

With the next generation of little ones on the way, the couple relocated to a peaceful community on Indian Lake. There he and "grandma' were always active with the grandkids. Whether playing cards or Yahtzee inside on a rainy day or sharing in the numerous outdoor possibilities, 'Grandpa' could always be found in tow.

As Fall approached, the grandchildren would head back to school and Jim would head up to the family cabin for some quality time with his dad, brothers, and nephews. He loved to fish and hunt, always returning with the fruits of a successful trip. On one occasion he even managed to bag an elk with some friends on a pack hunt in the northern Rockies.

When, eventually, the days grew cold, he and Sue would pack up the cottage and head south to bask in the warm Florida Sun. For the past 30 years, from November to May Jim filled his days, in the company of relatives, friends, and old coworkers, hitting the golf courses, attending shows, watching early spring baseball and savoring the fruits of a life well lived.

Jim passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on September 9, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Fern; his brother, Terry; and his sons, Brent and Kent. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Charlene; his stepdaughter, Tammy (Scott) Coates; grandchildren Matt (Ashley) Chapman, Casey Coates, and Taylor (Shawn) Finn; great-grandchildren Parker and Hadley Chapman; his brother, Gary Chapman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 224 E. Cass St., Schoolcraft, MI 49087. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Bronson Cancer Center – Kalamazoo by mail at 301 John Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49001; or online at https://www.bronsonhealth.com/bronson-health-foundation/funds-and-endowments/cancer-center---kalamazoo-fund/.

While visiting Jim’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand St. in Schoolcraft. 269 679-5622