Ret. U.S. Army Lt. Col. James (Jim) L. Chapman, III, 83, died on Friday, February 19, 2016, at Virginia Beach General Hospital. Jim was born February 29, 1932, at Indian Hill, Ohio, to the late James L. Chapman Jr., and Mary Ernst Chapman.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Christine C. Chapman; and their five children, James L. Chapman IV (Susan) of Norfolk; Dona C. Snader (Drew), of Denver, Colo., M. Rebecca Chapman, of Virginia Beach, Paul H. Chapman (Karen) of Sarasota, Fla., and Edward E. Chapman (Erica) of Charlottesville; as well as a sister, Nancy Chapman of Normal, Ill. ‘Pops,’ as his grandchildren called him, is also survived by eight grandchildren, who treasured him, Elizabeth and Lindsay Chapman, Kelly, Sarah, Daniel and Erin Snader, Rachel Chapman and Odin Chapman.
Jim graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1954 and was commissioned in the field artillery. He served honorably for 28 years, including assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and commanded the 5th Missile Battalion at Fort Sill, Okla. He served overseas tours of duty in Vietnam, Korea, West Germany and the Dominican Republic. He was a decorated combat veteran and retired in 1982 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
After retiring from the Army, Jim and Chris settled down from years of military moves and lived in the Charlottesville area for nearly three decades. Jim was active in the Episcopal Church and served the Lord enthusiastically at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Ivy) and at Buck Mountain Episcopal Church (Earlysville). His love for children led him to manage a pediatric medical practice in Charlottesville. He later started a construction inspection company, which he transitioned to his youngest son 10 years ago. Jim and Chris moved to Virginia Beach in 2015.
Jim was an amazing and supportive husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be remembered for his grace, humor, wit and friendship. He will also be remembered as an accomplished athlete throughout his life. Jim was a three-letter athlete in high school, especially loved basketball, and refereed Virginia high school football and basketball until he was in his 60’s. Jim particularly enjoyed golf and skiing, especially with his children.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 26, at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel, followed by a celebration of Jim’s life at 2 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. A funeral with full military honors will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Wounded Warrior Foundation or other charity.
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