James Ronald Chapman

He was born in Laurel, MS on September 13, 1946 to James Morris Chapman and Barbara Curtis Chapman. His family soon moved to Kosciusko, MS and Ron had so many fond memories of his early childhood years there. Ron began his walk with Jesus as a young boy at First Baptist Church of Kosciusko and often said he was thankful the Lord continued walking with him ever since that day. Ron moved to Jackson as he began junior high, graduated with the Murrah Class of 1964 and finished at Mississippi College with a bachelor’s degree in business.

Anyone who knew Ron knew him to be kind and caring, with a big smile and positive attitude. He was a people person and enjoyed a lifelong career in sales, beginning with men’s retail clothing sales at McRae’s, Brady’s and later owned Person’s Fine Clothing at Maywood Mart in Jackson with his former spouse, Paula Persons Chapman. His most enjoyable years were spent as a sales rep with Noritake China and he loved going to market and reconnecting with so many friends. He especially enjoyed traveling to meet with the store owners in a broad southern territory for over 25 years. Prior to his retirement in 2017, Ron enjoyed working in real estate sales in his son-in-law's family business, Shoemaker Homes.

Ron was a longtime member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church, now Fondren Church, serving as Deacon Chairman, Couples Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Board of Woodland Hills Baptist Academy and beloved coach of the Woodland Hills Ladies Softball team for many years. He became a member of Christ United Jackson in 1987 where he enjoyed his wonderful New Yorkers Sunday School class for many years.

Ron loved riding his motorcycle with special friends for many years, being outside in the yard, going to the beach, attending grandchildren’s sporting events, especially basketball and traveling with his wife Brenda.

Ron was preceded in death by his father and mother and brother Morris H. Chapman (Franklin, TN). He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Brenda Barrett Chapman, son Doug Chapman (Rhonda) of Brandon, daughter Leigh Shoemaker (Scott) of Jackson, stepdaughters Tracy Ethridge of Brandon and Robin Ethridge of Seattle and stepson Tripp Ethridge (Amy) of Madison, TN. He is also survived by grandchildren Taylor Chapman (James Hicks), Mackenzie Shoemaker, Mason Shoemaker, Belle Shoemaker and Lachlan Ethridge. Ron had one great grandson, Cooper Hicks.

There will be a private family interment at Lakewood Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Christ United Jackson on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The family wishes to thank all those with Traditions Health Hospice in Ridgeland and Covenant Caregivers for their help in caring for Ron and meeting the needs of our family at this time. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area or Christ United Jackson Music Ministry.