James L. Chapman

James L. Chapman passed away on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, in Olympia.

Jim was born on July 29, 1945, in Klammath Falls, Ore. The family relocated to Moses Lake, where Jim attended school, graduating from Moses Lake High School in 1964. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. He returned a decorated soldier, awarded a Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts and two Military Merit Awards. Upon his return, he was stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., and promoted to sergeant.

Upon his return, Jim married his high school sweetheart Connie Shultz. Jim and Connie relocated to Beaverton, Ore., and had two boys, Chad Richard and Colin James. There Jim worked, raised a family and attended Portland Community College, where he graduated with a degree in business in 1974.

He then relocated to Olympia, where he owned and operated J & J Salvage & Wrecking with his companion of several years, Lori Padula.

Jim is survived by his parents J Lide and Sylvia Frances Chapman, his sons Chad and Colin Chapman, his brothers Jay L. and Mark E. Chapman, and a sister Zonda T. Chapman. He is also survived by his nephews Jason, Casey, Kyle and David Chapman, and nieces Tonya Clark, Ashley and Mackenzie.

Jim was preceded in death by another brother Howard “Loy” Chapman. He was also preceded in death by another nephew Shane James Chapman.

We will all miss him deeply.

Services will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3800 Henderson Blvd., Olympia, WA 98501.