Obituary for James L. "Jim" Chapman
James L. “Jim” Chapman, 87, of Elkview, passed away November 27, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. He left this world in the comfort of his own home with his adoring family by his side.
Jim was born to Addie V. Elswick and Jacob L. Chapman October 2, 1935, in Charleston, WV and spent his childhood days at the Davis Child Shelter while his mother was employed as a caregiver for the children. He graduated from Elkview High School in 1953. He then served 11 years in the WV Air National Guard as a Technical Sergeant. He was fondly known by his nickname “Chappy” during his time with the Air Guard, and for years to come. During his 28-year career as an analyzer technician with Union Carbide’s Tech Center, he traveled the world and formed friendships with co-workers that would last a lifetime.
Family members always knew if something was broken, Jim could fix it. Be it a watch, lawn mower or laptop his analytical mind and skillful hands could have them repaired in short order. When he wasn’t busying himself with fix-it duties, Jim enjoyed genealogy, bluegrass music, and time spent with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Nora May Scheper, brother John A. Chapman, son-in-law Shawn T. McVay, and grandson Nathan D. Taylor.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Virginia L. Chapman of Elkview, daughters Barbara (Al) Taylor of Conway, SC, and Beth Smith of Pinch, his sister Becky (Gary) Paxton; grandchildren Kristen (Joey) Strickland, Tom (Sarah) McVay, Jo Turner, Jacob Turner, Alfred Taylor, and Grace Smith; great grandchildren Allison, Amy, and Shawn Strickland, Faolan and Fiona McVay, and Callum Turner.
A Celebration of Life will be held December 18, 2022, from 2:30 to 4:30pm at the Elk River Community Center. Family, friends, and former co-workers are encouraged to drop in and visit and share special memories of Jim.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Children’s Home Society of West Virginia or Kanawha Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview, WV 25071.
Jim was born to Addie V. Elswick and Jacob L. Chapman October 2, 1935, in Charleston, WV and spent his childhood days at the Davis Child Shelter while his mother was employed as a caregiver for the children. He graduated from Elkview High School in 1953. He then served 11 years in the WV Air National Guard as a Technical Sergeant. He was fondly known by his nickname “Chappy” during his time with the Air Guard, and for years to come. During his 28-year career as an analyzer technician with Union Carbide’s Tech Center, he traveled the world and formed friendships with co-workers that would last a lifetime.
Family members always knew if something was broken, Jim could fix it. Be it a watch, lawn mower or laptop his analytical mind and skillful hands could have them repaired in short order. When he wasn’t busying himself with fix-it duties, Jim enjoyed genealogy, bluegrass music, and time spent with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Nora May Scheper, brother John A. Chapman, son-in-law Shawn T. McVay, and grandson Nathan D. Taylor.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Virginia L. Chapman of Elkview, daughters Barbara (Al) Taylor of Conway, SC, and Beth Smith of Pinch, his sister Becky (Gary) Paxton; grandchildren Kristen (Joey) Strickland, Tom (Sarah) McVay, Jo Turner, Jacob Turner, Alfred Taylor, and Grace Smith; great grandchildren Allison, Amy, and Shawn Strickland, Faolan and Fiona McVay, and Callum Turner.
A Celebration of Life will be held December 18, 2022, from 2:30 to 4:30pm at the Elk River Community Center. Family, friends, and former co-workers are encouraged to drop in and visit and share special memories of Jim.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Children’s Home Society of West Virginia or Kanawha Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview, WV 25071.