James Osborne Chapman

Known as Jim to all his friends and many acquaintances and as “OZ” to his children. Born in Grand Rapids, MI, to parents Edward and Mae Aline, Jim graduated South High School in 1941. He then entered the military, serving in Patton’s 3rd army during World War II. After military service, he attended Michigan State University achieving BS and MS degrees in History. During this time he met and later married Marjorie Jean Atkinson. Together they would raise 4 children, James Scott, Graham Edward, Brent Winton and Claire Elizabeth (Metzgar). Jim worked 37 years for the State of Michigan in the Elections Division, becoming acting Director of Elections before his retirement in 1988. Though he lost his wife Marjorie in 1979, he found another love when he married Marion (Smith) Chapman in 1981. Together they spent time with family, traveling the world together, and sharing their love of music, singing in numerous choirs and musical productions. He was active in numerous church and civic activities, most notably the South Lansing Lion’s Club for 30 years. Jim was truly a representative of the “Greatest Generation”, a loving husband, father and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, Lake Lansing Rd. Lansing, on Sunday, June 22 at 2:00 pm with a visitation preceding the service at 1:00 pm. Interment will occur at Fort Custer Cemetery on Tuesday, June 24 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church.