Rev. John Drummond Chamblin

John Chamblin Obituary

John D. Chamblin SEAFORD - The Rev. John Drummond Chamblin, 81, of Seaford, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. Father Chamblin was born April 15, 1927, in Herndon, Va., to Ralph VanSickler Chamblin and Virginia Melson Chamblin. He was a veteran of World War II and Korea. A 1961 graduate of the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Kentucky, he was ordained deacon at St Paul's Church Norfolk (1961) and priest in February 1962 by Bishop William A. Brown at Trinity Church in Portsmouth In the Diocese of Southern Virginia he served Trinity Church, Portsmouth, as deacon; Church of the Good Shepherd, Norfolk, as assistant rector; and St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, as its second rector. In 1972, he began his ministry in the Diocese of Washington where he served as rector of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Silver Spring, Md., until he retired 1990. He was a Continuing Education Fellow at the Virginia Theological Seminary, secretary of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Washington, and chair of the Commission on Ministry under Bishop John T. Walker. Upon his retirement, he formed the winter congregation of St. Simons-by-the-Sea at Sandbridge Beach where he served as vicar until 1994. In recent years, he served as midweek celebrant at St Phillip's, Laurel, Del. In addition to his wife of 57 years, Anne Bivins Chamblin, formerly of Newport News, he is survived by their children, Virginia Chamblin Grochowski and husband John of Rocky Mount, N.C., John Drummond Chamblin Jr. and wife Marcia of Manassas, Va., the Rev. Anne S.C. Byrne and husband William of Oakland, Md., and Randolph Melson Chamblin and wife Erika of Sterling, Va.; as well as six grandchildren; his brother, Ralph VanSickler Chamblin of Albuquerque, N.M.; and his sister, Ann Chamblin Izlar of Durham, N.C. A memorial service will be held at St Mary's Church, 2 N. William St., Bridgeville, Del., on Wednesday at 2 p.m. Expressions of care may be sent to: Episcopal Relief & Development, P.O. Box 7058 Merrifield, VA 22116-7058 www.er-d.org/donate-select.; or St. Mary's Church, P.O. Box 21, Bridgeville, DE 19973; or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way Milford, DE 19963 www.delawarehospice.org.Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Frankford, Del.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Sep. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Chamblin

6 Entries

Ellen McElwee Prete

September 23, 2008

Dear Anne and Family,

Paul Baker told me the sad news that Rev. Chamblin had died. It's been many years since we've last seen each other, but I carry you and your family in my heart always.

You may recall that when we were in our early 20's I needed major surgery -- your Father hunted the floors of Holy Cross Hospital until he found me outside Radiology just so he could pray with me. He got me spiritually and mentally ready, and was a great comfort. When I was returned to my room after surgery, his business card with Psalm "The Lord is my Shepherd" written on the back was the first thing I saw. That meant so much to me and I thanked God for having such a caring and compassionate servant on his team.

All of us were blessed to have your Father in our lives. In grief and pain, in joy and cheer, in all He send, God hold thee dear.
My love and prayers go with you.

Melissa Mautz McHarg

September 18, 2008

I think I was about 5 years old when I started attending Good Shepherd. I have so many good fond memories of Jack, Anne and going to school with Randy. My prayers are with all of you and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Jack was a wonderful person. God Bless!

Judy Bye

September 16, 2008

Beth Echols emailed me that Jack has died. Joe Clark dragged me to see Jack in the mid 70's. Later I was Ruth Libbey's assistant at the Dio of Washington when John was Bishop. After Jack retired somehow we became email buddies and he sent me awful blonde jokes. When my 34 year old son died, I asked Jack to come to the funeral in Lewes. I know it was inconvenient but he came anyway. Somewhere along the line I suppose Jack served as my priest--hard for a clergy spouse to come by. So this is a huge loss. I've never met any of you, but I know you because Jack told me about you. Especially Anne. I've been out of touch because I spent most of July and August in and out of the hospital. If I'd had a few more hours notice I'd have driven to Cambridge for the service. I know Jack was ready to go and I find a little comfort in that. Glad he was home and you all were with him. Condolences aren't enough. He was a very special person. I'm thinking of you, and Mike will say Mass for him. Warmly, Judy Bye

Frances Antonucci Beard

September 16, 2008

Dear Anne and Family, when I remember the time Jack became pastor and counselor to me, I am reassured that God's grace is always at work. Jack preached the Gospel in word and deed. Anne, you and each of your children were central to his ministry; you were all loved at Good Shepherd. When John rolled up his sleeves and, with fellow car mechanics, got dirty working on parishioners cars, the only reward he sought was for us to do something kind for someone else.
I thank God for Jack's ministry and for each of you. May you experience much love and care at this time.

Penny Andrews

September 16, 2008

Virginia and family, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Penny Andrews

Dian Nelson

September 15, 2008

What a great blessing Jack was to me. He was instrumental in leading me to Christ...baptized my children when they were 1 and 3 and me at Good Shepherd (they're now 24 & 26). He's always tops on my list, an absolutely wonderful man, gifted preacher/teacher and servant of Christ. My heart goes out to his wife and family, especially his daughter, Anne, whom I last saw at St. James many years ago when I lived in Frederick. I hope there is peace for you as Jack has found in glory with God. Love and Sympathy, Dian

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