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John C. Chamberlain

FUNERAL HOME

Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home & Cremation Services

406 N Bridge St

Grand Ledge, Michigan

John Chamberlain Obituary

John C. Chamberlain Grand Ledge John C. Chamberlain of Grand Ledge a loving husband, father, son, and brother passed unexpectedly July 18, 2013. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. John was born February 10, 1947 in Lansing, Michigan to Claude and Jean (Stolz) Chamberlain. John was a true entrepreneur and started young by delivering newspapers for the Lansing State Journal. However, John's vision and drive moved him from newspapers to be involved in numerous endeavors and ventures such as: concert promotions, co-owner of the Lansing All Stars semi-pro football team, he was an indoor sun tanning pioneer and formed the company TanFaster, owned Metro Ice Arena in Lansing that hosted the Lansing Lancers, he developed racquetball facilities, owned and operated Sub Villa restaurants. Most recently many people would recognize him as "Captain John" owner of J & K Steamboat Company. John was an avid sailor and snow skier and enjoyed being active in Grand Ledge, the community where he lived and operated J & K. He is survived by his wife of over 35 years Karla (Mathiasen); children, Christopher and Laura Chamberlain; mother, Jean; brother, James (Sandy) Chamberlain; sister, Julie (Tony) Foust; niece, Danielle (Dustin) Derethik, nephews, Blair Foust and Allen (Dana) Mackey, and sister-in-law Karen Mathiasen. John was preceded in death by his father, Claude. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2013, 10:00am at Grace Lutheran Church 528 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Lansing, Michigan 48915 with Pastor Dan Johnson, officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 2-4:00pm and 6-9:00pm at the Holihan-Atkin Funeral Home, Grand Ledge and Tuesday from 9-10:00am at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grand Ledge Opera House, Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Friends of the River Organization or the charity of the donor's choice. Share your condolences and memories online at www.holihanatkin.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Jul. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Chamberlain

19 Entries

Sumner Bagby

July 28, 2013

John was a strong supporter of the Epsilon Nu chapter of Psi U. at Michigan State. He will be much missed by the members and alums.

Daniel Schnaidt

July 25, 2013

So very sad to hear of his passing. My prayers for the family.

A. Lee Townsend

July 23, 2013

Karla, We were very sorry to hear about John. We will miss seeing him at the office and hearing a new story or two!
Thinking of you and your Family at this very sad time.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Dr. Lee Townsend and staff

Roxanne Gazella

July 23, 2013

Karla, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John was a great guy and will be missed by all that knew him.

Nicole Dungey

July 23, 2013

There is a new sailor in Heaven and the Angels are rejoicing! Captain John- you will be missed here on this earth...however, we will see you again one day! May peace that can only come from the Father, flood your family- during their time of grieving. We will be praying for your family. We know that you would want all of us to kick into high gear- for the Big Wedding on the Michigan Princess this weekend and for future Weddings as well...we will make you proud!

Jan Martin Ruhala

July 22, 2013

Karla,
So sad to hear about John. Glad we were able to see you two at Beth's birthday party! He was a great guy and one of my favorite bosses way back from the Tan Faster days!
Jan Martin Ruhala

Russ & Julie Pollok

July 22, 2013

The Chamberlain family is in our prayers! John & Karla were so gracious during our wedding on the Michigan Princess and we return several times a year for dinner and dancing. We look forward to many more sailing trips with Chris and will greatly miss John! Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Russ & Julie Pollok

Stephanie Hayes

July 22, 2013

My prayers and thoughts go out to the Chamberlain Family. John was such a great guy with such a loving heart! Ill never forget him coming into the bank, always with a smile, and a little joke to cheer your day!! My heart goes out to Karla and the kids!! XOXo RIP JOHN!

July 22, 2013

We are sad to hear of John's passing. He made all the events on The boats so much fun. He was such a good man. Karla our sympathy to you & the family. Herb & Mickey Burns

Rick Benedict

July 21, 2013

God, I loved this man! He was the definition of hospitality. He was the hub of the wheel whose 290 spokes (graduates) are the "East Lansing High School Class of 1966". When we got to the hub of this wheel, we were with John and we were with one another. His hospitality helped us all stay together through this past 47 years. He's enabled us to be there for each other through the increasingly trying passages that are associated with aging and loss. We love you, John - and we love the way you carried us back home. May Carla and each of your children know they can call on us for anything we can help them with. As you were for us, may we be for them. Finally, may we be reunited on the other side of this life. I will always love you, John.

L.Margaret Groves

July 21, 2013

Dear Jean and your family, we share your sorrow and keep you in our prayers.
Love, L.Margaret Groves and Roger

July 20, 2013

we all will miss you god bless your family it wont be the same on the boat without you love the browns family

Donna Copeland

July 20, 2013

Dear Chamberlain Family, My heart goes out to all of you. I was a neighbor who lived on Glenhaven. John was so friendly even as a little kid. We all had so much fun on the weekends and evenings skating in his backyard. May he be at peace. Sincerely, Donna Eisenhour Copeland Centennial, CO

Becky Edwards

July 20, 2013

He will be busy soon....getting our reunion ready for us when we meet him. Take care on your journey.

Mike Roberts

July 20, 2013

We will miss you John. Are prayers are with your family. Mike & Kathy Roberts

Chris DeVine

July 20, 2013

Blow your Horn Captain:

The Guests are aboard,
The lines are released.
The party is ready,
Captain John gives the speech…

“This Riverboat's steady
So sailing we'll go,
Your Captain is ready,
Good times you will know.”

We sailed on your river,
We sang on your seas…
We listened to stories,
Your tales stay with thee …

We heard you were weary,
Some ports that were missed ,
Tonight our prayers sail with;
The Michigan Princess.

Stand by the park shore,
on a clear Summer night,
You'll still hear the laughter, see her glimmering lights.
“Sweet music and memories, all the children delight,
Her fine weddings, the parties, and smiles through the night.”

So blow your horn Captain,
We bid you farewell.
All the lives you have touched,
with the ring of your bell!

We'll miss you dear Captain,
Old Man River... he knows,
So blow the horn Captain,
Sail on now – you're Home.

A Sailors song of remembrance
- by: Christopher B. DeVine

Inspired by Captain John
-Smooth Sailing Captain-