Jimmy Carl Chapman

May 18, 1946 – June 14, 2026

Jimmy Carl Chapman, 80, of Cedar Park, Texas, passed away on June 14, 2026, at Cedar Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center after an eight-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jim was born on May 18, 1946, in Austin, Texas, to the late Carl and Iba Chapman. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynda McVey Chapman; his son, Christopher Chapman; his daughter-in-law, Meryl Chapman; and his granddaughter, Madison Chapman.

Jim attended Ridgetop Elementary School and Baker Junior High School before graduating from Lanier High School in Austin. He continued his education at The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree and later a Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations of Education. He also received a school administration certificate.

A lifelong educator, Jim had a profound love for children and a passion for creating innovative learning experiences in elementary schools. He was an exceptional teacher and creative instructional leader who deeply valued the teachers and colleagues with whom he worked and was respected by all. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as an elementary music teacher, principal, instructional coordinator, and superintendent in school districts across Texas in Huntsville, Bellville, Mineral Wells, Edinburg, and Bosqueville, as well as in Glendale, Arizona, and Silver Lake, Oregon.

Of all the positions he held, perhaps the one closest to his heart was serving as principal of Highland Park Elementary School in Austin. One parent described the spirit of Highland Park during Jim’s leadership with a single word: “Camelot.”

Outside of his professional life, Jim was an avid reader with a remarkable collection of books, a lover of good food (especially chocolate), and a devoted fan of Texas Longhorn football and baseball. He treasured attending many home games over the years and enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for the Longhorns with family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Covenant Presbyterian Church located at 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, Texas 78757. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Gabriel’s Hospice & Palliative Care, Cedar Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, Covenant Presbyterian Church, or a charity of your choice.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Cedar Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center and St. Gabriel’s Hospice & Palliative Care who cared for Jim and provided comfort during the final chapter of his life. The family also wishes to thank Covenant Presbyterian Church and Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Leander for their guidance and assistance with the arrangements.