Robert E. Chipman

1952 - 2024

Robert E. Chipman
Jacksonville - Generosity. Compassion. Gratitude. Contentment.
These were the tenets Bob Chipman lived by, and the tenets he raised up and deepened for all of those around him.
Robert E. Chipman, 72, of Jacksonville, died Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.
Bob was born June 27, 1952 in Jacksonville, the son of William E. and Alice Acker Chipman and the beloved grandson of Ed and Alma Chipman and Earl and Mamie Acker of Rushville. He graduated from Jacksonville High School, where he was very involved in band and numerous sports while also employed in the city parks department. As a student at Illinois College, he met his life partner, Janet Williams Chipman at a Triopia High School football game where she cheered. Their love was solidified as IC students, and Bob and Janet were married on June 16, 1973 at First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville. Throughout college, in addition to numerous leadership roles on campus, Bob worked in the Myers Brothers and JCPenney mens' departments. Bob graduated from Illinois College in 1974 with a BA in History and Government and became an administrative assistant to the mayor of Jacksonville.
Later, as a loan officer at the Farmers State Bank, Bob made all who entered the bank feel welcome with his quick, wide smile and his warm words. In 1987, he joined his father Bill Chipman's business in real estate and appraisal at their office on West State Street, bringing his keen mind, his optimism, and his care for his work. Over the next nearly 40 years, Bob helped countless families find their just right homes, celebrate new beginnings, and navigate farewells. He treated every single person with dignity, respect, and earnestness all while sporting his signature bow ties. He had an innate, remarkable ability to raise the spirits of anyone he encountered.
A hometown boy, Bob carried Jacksonville in his heart and in his bones. He sought out every opportunity to support and uplift this community with integrity, humble leadership, and unfailing kindness. He has served as the president of the local YMCA Board, the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Passavant Area Hospital Board. He has three times served as the president of the Association of Realtors and has twice served as United Way Campaign Chair as well as the President of the Prairieland United Way Board.
Bob was a member of the Illinois College Board of Trustees for 25 years, serving in many capacities, including Vice Chair of the Board. He retired from the Board of Trustees in 2023 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the college. After his retirement, he continued as a Trustee Emeritus, lending his expertise and support. In 2023, Bob was also inducted into the Jacksonville Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and, along with Janet, was a youth advisor, taught children's classes, and, for the last 30 years, taught the ACTS Bible Class. Most recently, Bob was energized and excited about his work as Board President of the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation and of the Jacksonville Area Museum Foundation. He was looking forward to the West State Street renovation and seeing the new arch and lights from his office window.
Bob woke at 5 am every morning to read his Bible, give thanks for the new day, and to pray for his family, his friends, those leading, striving, searching, and suffering, and for all of the communities he held in his heart. He found pleasure in traveling with his family: from the beaches of Michigan to the mountains of Switzerland, from the waters of the Caribbean to the streets of Japan. He was also a life-long fitness enthusiast who played basketball, coached youth teams, exercised at the Y at noon every day for years, and impressed his fellow yogis with his headstands. He read extensively, including A Christmas Carol every December, Julius Caesar every March, and a biography of every president--in order. But his greatest moments of joy were found laughing on the carpet with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "F," or walking hand-in-hand with Janet on the sidewalks of his beloved hometown.
Bob is survived by his wife Janet, his two sons and their families, Timothy (wife Stephanie) and granddaughter Ruth of Jacksonville, and Andrew (wife Alicia) and grandson Elder and granddaughters Etta and Edia of Chicago, his brother James (fiancee Sally Tamizuddin) of Springfield, his brother-in-law John Williams, his sister-in-law Mary Lee Williams, his seven nephews, and many "found" family members he has brought into his fold, including the over 30 international students he and Janet welcomed into their home, especially Phuong Nguyen.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville. For those unable to attend in person, youtube.com/firstpresjax/ will provide a livestream of the service. Following the service, at approximately 2:15 pm, the family will lead a memorial vehicle procession around downtown Jacksonville. Others are invited to join by car or by lining the sidewalks. Family will meet friends for a Celebratory Gathering at Cummings Dining Hall on the campus of Illinois College following the service until 5:30 p.m. Family gravesite rites will be held at a later date. Memorials are encouraged to the following institutions Bob spent his life serving: First Presbyterian Church, Illinois College, Jacksonville Area Museum Foundation, Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation, Prairieland United Way, and the YMCA-- instead of flowers. The Williamson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com