James Raymond "Jimmy" Champlin

1932 - 2018

James (Jim, Jimmy) Raymond Champlin, born June 30, 1932, died in his sleep on March 13, 2018. Son of the late Leon Mayfield Champlin and Madeline (Dillon) Champlin, he is survived by his brothers Leon and Robert Champlin, both of Narragansett, Rhode Island. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John, Paul, Kenneth and David Champlin, his son Matthew Champlin, and his granddaughter, Virginia Rose Champlin. He is the father of Patricia Geary, Lisa Bushue (Rodney), Elizabeth Storie (Ronnie), Nina Champlin, Megan Tobin (Mark), Emily (Jorge) Dejewski and Matthew Champlin (d), grandfather to Melanie Geary, Carolyn Danowski (Eric), Sara (Eric Manche) and Christopher Vanderbeek, Bradford Champlin, Sam, Henry and James Renzo, Jeremy ( Jessica) and Zachary Tobin (Justine), Chelsey Shoener (Mike), Virginia Rose Champlin (d), Katie O'Connor and Megan Gates and great-grandfather to Nicholas Berardis, Florida Manche, Braeden and Brynn Tobin, William and Jameson Tobin, Reagan, Rori, and Ronan Shoener.
Jim was a longtime resident of North Kingstown and Narragansett and most recently resided in San Antonio, Texas, and Nokomis, Florida. He was the owner for many years of Champlin's Seafood in Pt. Judith. He also owned several restaurants, including, most recently, Ophelia's in Nokomis, Florida.
Jim was a University of Rhode Island graduate, and an avid Rams basketball fan– Go Rams! He also followed the Red Sox and New England Patriots. He was a decorated veteran, having served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict.
Most importantly, Jim loved the ocean and sailing. He owned several boats over his lifetime, the last sold in 2016. He spent 30 years in Nokomis Florida, running a restaurant and sailing his boat. He will return to the ocean, which was his last wish. Sail on, Jim. May there always be wind in your sails!