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BORN
1930
DIED
2020
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James Chaffee Obituary
December 22, 1930 - March 6, 2020
James Les Lee Chaffee of Grand Junction, CO, passed away on March 6, 2020.
He was born on December 22, 1930, to LC "Bo" and Mildred Chaffee and raised in Rapelje, MT. Jim graduated from Rapelje High School and on August 6, 1950, he married the love of his life, Mary JoAnn Marsh, and they began their adventure, which was interrupted by a call from Uncle Sam to begin a stint in the U.S. Army where he gained the rank of Staff Sergeant.
While in the Army their first son, Jim, was born in Camp Roberts, CA. Upon his release Jim and JoAnn moved back to Columbus, MT where they welcomed second son, Gregg, and then daughter, Melanie. The adventure continued when in 1969 Jim was named the Territorial Manager for Hesston Corporation and the "crew" moved to Grand Junction, CO, with subsequent moves to Fort Collins, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. Upon retirement Jim and JoAnn moved back to Grand Junction, where they lived in peace and harmony.
Jim is preceded in death by both parents; his wife, JoAnn; granddaughter, Kendra, and grand sons-n-law, John and Charlie.
During retirement one of Jim's greatest pleasure was working with and assisting in the placement of children into the Shriners Hospital system.
Jim is survived by his children and their families, Jim (Debbie, Haley and Lyndee); Gregg (Karen, Jody, Garret, Sara and Jeremy); Melanie (George, Clint, Melissa and Jarred) along with 12 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned for June 19, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction, CO.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Chaffee
3 Entries
G
January 6, 2023
The absolute greatest grandfather a guy like me could ever ask for. My family and I miss him every day... Give grandma Jo a big hug for me grandpa!
Rick Henry
March 20, 2020
After dad informed me of Jim's passing, memories of hunting trips, sledding at Adam's hill, camping at Woodbine & Yellowstone came to mind, all great times.
There are no words we can say to help what only time will heal.
Speaking for the Henry family, we are so sorry for your loss and extend our condolences to the Chaffee family.
Randy Nystul
March 15, 2020
I have a lot of great early years memories of Jim, Jo and family. Jim was a great person who took time with a young kid like me. He had a lot of zest for life. I had a great telephone conversation with him a few years back. We laughed about being out on a drive with his family and my parents when we encountered a large number of rattlesnakes on the road. He still remembered me being so nervous that I never hit one snake with the 22 rifle. I am sorry for the loss.
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Memorial Events
for James Chaffee
Jun
19
Memorial service
10:00 a.m.
Callahan-Edfast Mortuary & Crematory - Grand Junction2515 Patterson Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81505
Funeral services provided by:
Callahan-Edfast Mortuary & Crematory - Grand Junction2515 Patterson Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81505
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