James Clark Chambers

James Clark Chambers, 85, a proud veteran of the US Air Force and retired San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy, passed away on May 1, 2026 surrounded by family at his home in Apple Valley, California.

Jim, as he was known to his friends, was born in Los Angeles County on February 16, 1941 to a single mother. He dedicated his life to service - both to his country and to his community.

At just 17 years old, “Jimmy” as his mother Dorotha called him, enlisted in the United States Air Force where he honorably served for over 20 years as an aircraft mechanic.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was deployed all over the world, ending up at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California where he retired. He was affectionately called “JC” or “JD” by fellow service members.

While stationed at Luke AFB in Arizona, he met a recent beauty school graduate named Elizabeth; not once, but twice. Too afraid to call her the first time because he thought she gave him the wrong number, he eventually called her for a date and the rest was

history. During their 60 years of marriage they lived in Arizona, Japan, New Mexico, Alaska, and California. They adopted three children and opened their home to many others through foster care and foreign exchange programs.

Upon returning to the high desert, he continued his life of duty when he became a Deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office. The oldest cadet to graduate the academy, he proudly served until a foot pursuit gone wrong led to a medical retirement. He then moved to the private sector, and became a security guard at St. Mary’s Hospital where he worked until deciding it was time to actually retire.

Though retired, he never stepped away from a life of service and purpose. He continued to serve his community as a reliable and dedicated volunteer at local food pantries, running the soundboard at Mass, leading Bible study groups, and lending a hand to friends and neighbors whenever possible.

He could build and fix just about anything, and spent many hours maintaining and restoring classic automobiles and teaching others do the same. He loved Fords, partly due to the fact that he worked at the proving grounds outside of Kingman, Arizona for several years.

He also enjoyed traveling, often spending vacations snorkeling in Hawaii or driving the fifth wheel trailer to various locations, even creating his own waterfront property at their favorite spot in Camp Pendleton. He is remembered for his strong work ethic,

dependability, and straightforward advice as well as his skills on the dance floor. No matter what you called him, (Jim, Jimmy, Mr. C, Jimbo, JD, JC, Papa-san, Pops, or Dad), he left a strong impression on each of our lives and the lessons he taught us will not be forgotten.

James was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Alan. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, children Jamie (Roger) Harris, Kimberly (Wesley) Byrne, Corley Chambers, 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and his brother Randall Chambers.

A Rosary (10:30am) and Funeral Mass (11:00am) will be held on May 27, 2026 at Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church in Apple Valley, California.

A Committal Service will take place at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 24000 Waalew Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307, US, on May 27, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that non-perishable food donations be made to the food pantry at Our Lady of the Desert or monetary donations sent to The Lord’s Table at Saint Joan of Arc Church - 15512 6th St. Victorville, CA 92395.