James Clinton Chapman's Obituary
Born James Clinton Chapman on August 25, 1961. Jim was born in Berkeley CA and raised in Oakland,
where he attended and graduated from Skyline High School in 1979. It was within his neighborhood and his school days that he would meet his treasured lifelong friends, particularly Jim Brookman. Jim was his partner in crime for most of his life and remained one of the most important people in Jim’s life until the end. He went on to meet his 1st wife Dana, and together they had two beautiful sons, Jason and Jeffrey. They relocated to Washington State to raise their family. Jim’s sons were his greatest achievement. You could see the pride in his face when he spoke of them. They are a product of his greatness and what a wonderful father he was. They will proudly carry on his legacy of what a remarkable man he was.
Jim moved back to California in the late 2000s. That's when he met his current wife, Glynis. They were nothing short of soul mates and their love for each other was endless and it showed. They relocated to Washington in 2014, where he worked as a Machinist for Accurus Aerospace in Kent. They settled into a beautiful home in Spanaway. Jim loved music... LOUD music!! His new thing was playing the guitar and writing his own songs. He thought he was pretty good at it. His passion was tinkering in his garage, starting new projects (he had 1000 of them going) but his baby was the shed he was building in the backyard. He spent every moment back there building his shop so he could retire and spend his days creating his masterpieces. His shop buddies were his dog and his cat, Suki. In the end, Jim was in his happiest place, with his best pal Rufus by his side.
Jim had amazing talent. Not only was he a Master Welder by trade for over 40 years, but he was also an amazing artist. He could build, paint, carve anything off the top of his head. Everyone was in absolute awe of the skills Jim had.
His absolute favorite place in the world was his childhood vacation spot in Dunsmuir, CA. He loved to fish and was darn good at it. His final wish is to be scattered in the Sacramento River in Dunsmuir behind Cave Springs. This is where Jim, Jason and Jeff have a special spot. His family will gladly honor his request.
Last but not least, whether you knew Jim or not, you knew he was a die-hard Raider fan! His hat, his clothes, his truck, his house, everything was Silver and Black. He would talk Raider talk to anyone that listened. He knew this was going to be their year!!! He was so excited he got to see a game in the new Raider stadium. He was absolutely star struck. Jim truly lived a blessed life. We were all so lucky to have him.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother Kay Chapman. He is survived by his loving father Clint, love of his life – wife Glynis, adoring sons Jason and Jeff, Stepsons Joe and Vince, Grandchildren Kiiah, Ivy, Gianna, Janessa, Gemma and Gino, Brother Steve, Sister Linda, Aunt Betty, Uncle Rob, Nephew Matt, Niece Taylor, many loving cousins who were more like brothers and sisters to Jim, and way too many friends to count. Until we meet again Jimbo, may you be on the adventure of a lifetime. We will love and miss you forever.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Clinton Chapman please visit our Sympathy Store.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?