Obituary

Obituary

James Allen Chapman age 45, died at his home in Palmer, Alaska on October 23, 2006 of a sudden heart attack. Jim leaves behind his wife, Kenda Chapman, and their son, Morgan Chapman, age 8, as well as his grandmother, Pearl Chapman; father, Philip Chapman; brother and sister-in-law, Carl (Ed) and Amy Chapman; sister and brother-in-law, Kerri and Jim Anderson; and nephews, Eric, Russell, and Bryan Anderson.

Jim began his journey in Fresno, California on May 22, 1961. In the early years of his life, he lived in Yosemite where he enjoyed his “one-room school house;” being a “mountain kid” who got out of school each Wednesday to ski; and being fished out of the river by Ed when he fell in crossing the rapids on the way to school.

At age 12, Jim moved to Parker, Arizona, a move which he initially protested (for about a year) with the passive-aggressive behavior of wearing his “Think Snow” pin. After it became quite evident, that he wasn’t going to return to the snow nor was the snow going to cooperate in Parker, he began to enjoy his new found home and friends. Jim attended Parker High School and enjoyed many activities including Varsity Football; his coveted job at the Tellis Sheds; being one of Mr. Curnutt’s pets; and his best friend, Leroy Eswonia.

After high school, Jim followed his brother to Northern Arizona University where he ultimately obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology. (He took a few years off in between to serve Uncle Sam in the United States Army). After college Jim worked as a geologist for several American and International Exploration and Mineral Companies including Newmont; Phelps Dodge; and Placer Dome in the United States, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile. After returning from South America in 1998 with his wife and infant son in tow, Jim set up states in Tucson, Arizona where he worked as the District Global Information System Administrator (and basketball player) for Southwest Gas Company. Jim ultimately retired from desk duty and began his Internet Entrepreneurial Ventures which ultimately led him to move to Alaska where he coupled his love for Alaska and knowledge of the Internet to create his websites http://www.myalaskan.com and http://www.myalaskanblog.com .

Throughout the years, Jim remained very close to his family. He was not only a son and grandson, but also a friend to his father and grandmother; he remained Ed’s very best friend and playmate; he regularly fulfilled his big brother role to Kerri; he was the big brother Amy never had; he was Uncle Adventure to his nephews; and most of all he cherished the love of his life, Kenda, each and every day and ensured that the sun rose and set with his little boy, Morgan.

While Jim will be missed more than words can say, one thing remains certain - he rode the ride of life to the fullest extent and fulfilled his dreams in their entirety.

Jim's Photo Gallery

Brown Bears

Bears