James L. Chapman

He is survived by his wife, Ora June (nee Miller) to whom he was married on September 12, 1947, his son and daughter-in-law Jim and Janis Chapman of Colorado Springs, CO, his daughters, Christine Herring and her husband kent, of Pflugerville, TX, and Linda Chapman of Arvada, CO, 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Included in the extended family are Albert and Doris Adu-Acheampong and their 3 children.

Jim was born in Littleton, CO on April 26, 1926 to Roy and Mabel Christine (nee Verink) Chapman. He attended Brighton Public schools and graduated from Colorado A & M (now Colorado State University) in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served his country as an Naval aviation cadet between June 1944 and October 1945.

After college graduation, Jim went to work for the International Harvester Company in the Agricultural division in Denver. He moved his family to Gunnison in 1952 to assume ownership of Chapman Equipment. He ran the business until 1985 at which time he moved to Grand Junction and worked at Hanson Equipment until he retired.

In Gunnison and Grand Junction, Jim was active in the Lions Club, with a particular interest in the vision screening program for children. While in Grand Junction, he received an award from the state Lions Club for his work with school children. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in both cities as a 32nd degree Mason.

In Gunnison, Jim was involved in many civic activities such as sponsorship of Future Farmers of America, from whom he received an award and 4-H. He was a Volunteer Fireman; a member of the local Cattlemen’s Days Association, active in the Chamber of Commerce, served with the Civil Air Patrol and was instrumental, with local ranchers, in founding the Gunnison Conservation District.

In Grand Junction, Jim served with Gray Gourmet and received an award for his volunteer service.

Jim loved the Lord and had a heart for serving others. He was involved in the church, serving as Deacon in Gunnison for both the First Baptist and the Trinity Baptist Churches. In Grand Junction, he served as Deacon for both Bookcliff Baptist and Emmanuel Baptist Churches.

Jim’s service will be at 1:00pm on February 23rd, at Chapel Hill Mortuary located at

6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO.

In lieu of flowers, please send your remembrances to: Salvation Army, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Charity of your choice.