James Walter “Biggie” Chapman

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(August 06, 1931 – January 15, 2020)

U.S. Veteran

FUNERAL SERVICE:  2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 19, 2020, at Comanche Funeral Home Chapel

BURIAL:  Taylor’s Chapel Cemetery in Comanche County.

VISITATION:  Family will receive friends at Comanche Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. on Saturday, Janaury 16, 2020.

MEMORIALS:  The family suggests memorials to the Comanche Public Library, 311 N. Austin Street, Comanche, Texas 76442;  or the Taylor’s Chapel Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 358, Comanche, Texas 76442.

James Walter “Biggie” Chapman passed away January 15, 2020 in Comanche County Medical Center. He was born in the Soda Springs area of Comanche County on August 6, 1931 to Walter Daniel and Willie Kate (Sledge) Chapman. He graduated from Sidney School in 1948 and returned to teach there in 1959.

James attended John Tarleton Agricultural College for a year and served 4 years as an aircraft mechanic in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict.  After his service he used his GI Bill to acquire a Master’s Degree from North Texas State University. James was a teacher, girls basketball coach, principal, and superintendent of schools.  He taught twelve years in Sidney; relocated to west Texas to teach in Hobbs and Fluvanna; then returned to central Texas and taught six years in Blanket.  James developed a great fondness for his students, many of whom became good friends.

James raised cattle and prayed for rain north of Comanche on the place where he was born. He was a regular fixture at the local domino hall, filling the seat his dad vacated.  He loved to dance and took Donna to every senior dance he could.  James spent decades researching and compiling local and family histories.  He and Donna co-authored books about the Soda Springs and Bibb communities, and applied their research to get historical markers placed at Taylor’s Chapel Cemetery and Taylor’s Chapel Church.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son John Tom Chapman; brothers Jake and John Chapman, and a sister Arthula Chapman.

He is survived by his wife Donna; daughter Joyce Pinkerton and husband Brennan; son Paul Chapman and wife Amy; son David Chapman; three sisters – Mary Clemons, Tess Wilson, and Modet Chapman; four grandchildren – Ross Pinkerton, Reid Pinkerton and wife Drue, Ethan Chapman, and Bethany Chapman; two great-grandchildren – Jackson Pinkerton and Willa Pinkerton; and best friend Brooks Kerley.

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