Services for James Bruce Chapin, 84, will be held at 2pm,Wednesday January 4th at First Christian Church, 1000 Kentucky Street, Lawrence, Kansas.
Jim was called home Sunday, December 18th, 2022 with his family by his side.
He was born November 26, 1938 in Downs, Kansas, son of Brad and May Chapin. He graduated from Lebanon high school in 1957. He married his life long love, Betty Jean Ritter, August 31, 1959. Together they shared 63 years of love and laughter.
The arrival of their first born son, James Brad came in 1960, followed by daughter, Debra Jean in 1962. Jim and Betty moved to Smith Center in 1966 where they added to their family with a son, Jerry Earl that same year.
Jim was a hard worker through the years, providing for his family. Working at the Smith County Pioneer newspaper for more than 20 years. He also worked as the maintenance supervisor at Bethesda Care Center in Smith Center.
In 1995 he became owner/operator of the Modern Aire Motel, Highway 36, Smith Center, where he worked side by side with Betty. They shared their talents and hospitality there until 2007. At this time they moved to Lawrence Kansas to be near their children and grandchildren. Jim continued his work as the Maintenance supervisor at Wyndam Place Senior Residence in Lawrence until 2019. As well as volunteer work at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Survivors include wife Betty and daughter Debra of Lawrence. Son Jerry of Perry, Kansas with his wife Teresa. Three Grandsons, Spencer Chapin of Pineville Louisiana with his wife Samantha. Mitchel Masten of Lawrence and Harrison Chapin of Perry, Kansas. He also leaves a legacy of love for 5 great grandchildren. Tanner, Conner and Lanie of Pineville, Louisiana and Felix and Trinity of Lawrence, Kansas.
He was preceded in heaven by his son, James Brad, his parents and 3 brothers, Brad Jr, Gene and Glen.
Graveside services at Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, Kansas pending.
The family suggests memorials made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Grateful for Jim and his service to many. Confident that his impact on individuals, generations and communities will continue to serve. Peace.
Deepest condolences for your loss of a beloved man in your family! Love and prayers
So very sorry for your loss. I will miss him especially come fishing time. Will see you when I can come out for a visit. Take care of wack other. You’ll all be in my prayers.
Mom and I will have the family in our prayers. Our love and sympathy Brenda and Kay
Sorry for your loss.
Oh Betty, I am so sorry! You and the family are all in my prayers
I was blessed to have known Mr. Chapin through Prayer Warrior Group at FCC. I then became friends with both Jim and Beth afterwards. What a great person he was; caring and friendly. He will be missed. Prayers for Beth and the entire Chapin family.
Prayers for comfort for the entire family
Thinking of your family. May you find comfort and peace.
We send our love and sympathy to all of you!
Jerry- so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My family loved to visit with your mom and dad, and he will be missed.
I met Jim when my mom and I moved into Wyndam Place and so enjoyed every contact with him. He and my mom had a really fun relationship she would bake for him and when he liked it she would send recipes home to his wife. I remember that smile that he shared so often. Jim will be missed by many. May God bless you all. Keep hold of your memories they will help you through your grief.
So will miss Jim. I always enjoyed visiting with him and seeing pictures of his kids and grandkids.