James Chapman

James Chapman was born on December 5, 1930. On Friday, August 8, 2025, he departed this life for his Heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Meekins and Horace and Leevinia Chapman; his wife of sixty years, Myrtle Chapman; brothers, Elihu Greenhow, George Meekins, and Theodore Greenhow; and sisters, Mignonette Canady, Mahilda Brown, and Mary Smith. 

James graduated from Bruton Heights School.  He enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.  He had numerous skills and occupations to include a Farmer, Mechanic, Mailroom Clerk, and Warehouse Worker. He retired from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation after more than thirty years of dedicated service. He took pride in his duties and never missed time from work. 

He shared a special bond with his uncle, William Cox. Together, they owned and operated a gas/service station in Toano. They would perform minor car repairs and sold snacks and soft drinks. 

He was a member of Chickahominy Baptist Church and served his church in various capacities, and was designated as “Father of the Church”. 

He was a quiet man, but would recount stories of his military exploits with humor. His hobbies included fishing, crabbing, cooking, and watching old-time Westerns that included Gunsmoke and Bonanza. 

James leaves to treasure his precious memories, daughter, Deneen Skinner (Stanley); son, James L. Chapman; grandchildren, Rayvon Chapman, Diamond Chapman, Jordan Chapman, and Makiyah Ellis-Imgram; sisters, Dorothy Walston and Minge Berkeley; brother Bernard Meekins (Christine); sister-in-law Sarah E. Tyler; brother-in-law Charles Tyler; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

A service to celebrate Jame's life will be held at Noon on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Chickahominy Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Interment to follow in Williamsburg Memorial Park.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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