James C. Chapman, 24 Aug 1934 – 02 Jan 2017

CHAPMAN, ROBISON, EASH, BENEDICT, BOGARD, TUMILTY, JOHNSON, BURR

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 6/1/2017 at 11:37:37

JAMES C. "JIM" CHAPMAN
Marion

James C. "Jim" Chapman, 82, of Marion, passed away Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, at Linn Manor Care Center, Marion. Memorial service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren, Cedar Rapids, conducted by the Rev. Jerry Bertleson. The family will greet friends one hour before the service. Private family burial: Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion.

Jim is survived by his wife, Velda of Cedar Rapids; two daughters, Susan (Michael) Benedict of Marion and Elizabeth (Carroll) Bogard of Victor, Idaho; four grandchildren, Katie (Todd) Tumilty, Joe (Deena) Johnson, Sam Johnson and Mikaela Bogard; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Tyler, Delilah and Ivy; brothers, Wayne (Sheila) Chapman of Hills, Ronald (Sheila) Chapman of Melbourne, Fla., Harold (Margaret) Chapman of Kalona and Joe Chapman of Sigourney; and sister-in-law, Jean (Ron) Burr of Lone Tree.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Russell Chapman.

Jim was born Aug. 24, 1934, the son of Clifford and Ada (Robison) Chapman, on the Chapman family farm four miles east of North English, Iowa. Jim attended a one-room country school, kindergarten through eighth grade, at Hickory Ridge Independent located at Hinkletown, Iowa. At this time, all students graduating from the eighth grade attending country schools had to take the "eighth grade" examinations before they could attend high school. The examinations were at the county seats. Jim had one of the top three scores in Iowa County that year. Therefore, he got to go to the Iowa State Fair and represent Iowa County as an "Iowa Quiz Kid." Jim attended North English High School, graduating in 1952. He was active in football, vocal music, instrumental music and drama. He got to play a year of varsity football at Upper Iowa University for the legendary Dr. John Dorman.

Jim served in the U.S. Army. The first two years he was in the active army, spending 16 months and eight days in Germany as a survey information specialist. The next two years in the Iowa National Guard and the last two years in the standby reserve.

Jim and Velda Eash were married Sept. 1, 1961, at the Union Church in South English. Jim was employed by United Fire Group as a claims adjuster for 12 years, handling outside claims. He then came into the home office in Cedar Rapids and set up and supervised a telephone claims unit. He supervised claims in several states and trained claims adjusters for the United Fire Group. He retired in December 1999 as senior claims supervisor after serving 39 years.

Jim was active in the American Baptist Churches of America. He served on the church boards of the First Baptist Church in Atlantic and the First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren in Cedar Rapids. Between the two churches, he served for 40 years as a Sunday school teacher and youth leader. Jim was a proud coach of "Grandpa's Girls" softball team for Marion girls' softball league for many years.

After retirement, Jim spent many happy years helping students with math and reading at Starry Elementary School in the Marion District. In 2002, he was named volunteer of the year at Starry Elementary School. In 2003, he was presented a Governor's Volunteer Award, being recognized by the Iowa Department of Education for his volunteer work at Starry. He was also a longtime crossing guard.

One of Jim's greatest joys was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Memorials may be directed to Starry Elementary in Marion or to the First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren.

Please share a memory of James at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

The Gazette, Posted on Wednesday, 4 January 2017, 10a