James (Jim) Chapman

James Thomas Chapman passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on October 11, 2016. He was 86 years of age. Jim was a lifelong member of Liberty Baptist Church, where he raised his family and modeled for them the love of God and of his neighbors, and where he served as a deacon at Liberty for several years. He enjoyed the privilege of having attended church in each of the congregation’s four buildings.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Walter Chapman; his mother, Stella Knight Chapman; his siblings, Thelma (John) Hart, Velma “Dude” (Lee) Phillips, Rose (O.D.) Loggins, Polly Chapman, Cora (Emmett) Sweat, J.D. (Naomi) Chapman, and infant sister Doshia Rubina Chapman; his daughter, Natalie Aleta Chapman; and an infant son, Benjamin Walter Chapman.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara Chapman; daughter Vera (Bill) Gormley; sister Juanita Barger; grandsons Zandy (Katie) Knox, Andrew (Jennifer) Knox, and Jordan (Sarah) Spurling; great-grandchildren Logan Standridge, Elsie Knox, and Steven Knox. He will also be remembered by a host of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He grew up in Morgan County during the Great Depression, one of nine children. Growing up in a farming family instilled a work ethic and determination that would inspire his family in future generations. Mr. Chapman served his country in the United States Army from 1950-52. Upon returning home, he worked construction, for TVA, and at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. He retired from the Department of Corrections in 1992.

His wry sense of humor was appreciated by his family and friends wherever he went, and his encyclopedic knowledge of antique cars was admired by his friends in the Mountain Shadow Cruisers car club, where he enjoyed spending time with friends and reliving memories related to many of the cars.

Special thanks to the caring staff of Amedisys and to the host of special friends who visited and cared for him during his last days.

The family will be receiving friends Friday, October 14, 2016 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Schubert Funeral Home in Wartburg with the funeral to follow at 7:00 p.m. with Bro. Ralph Nance officiating. Graveside service will be Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Liberty Church Cemetery in Wartburg, Tn