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James Chapman Obituary
He was born in New London, on May 25, 1960, the son of Mary-Lou Fahey Caras of Preston and the late Christopher B. Chapman.
James graduated from Robert E. Fitch Sr. High School in the class of 1978. He was president of his class and was on the track and cross country teams. He worked for Groton Recreation from 1980 to 1982. He graduated from the University of Texas-Austin and had taught physics at East Lyme High School and in Austin, Texas and Santa Barbara, Calif. He received numerous teaching awards during his career.
He enjoyed traveling, and he was an accomplished poet and guitarist.
Besides his mother, he is survived by his sister, Martha and her husband, Anthony Christina, of Groton; his brothers, Christopher and wife, Eunice Chapman, of New London, N.H., and Lawrence and his wife, Valerie Chapman, of Old Lyme; his step-mother, Daphne Chapman; and his nieces and nephews, Brian, Holly, Andy, Angie, Caitlin, Shannon, Jennifer, Danny, Alexis, and Christopher.
And to his beautiful friends who were there for him, Sue, Gordon, Alan, John, Pam B., Val, Lori, Pam H., Donna, Jackie, and Kathy, thank you. You made his last days memorable with all your help and love. We are grateful to Dr. Taddi at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Dr. Shiano at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City, and the team at Saddleback Medical Center in San Clemente, Calif., who did everything possible to save his life. Thank you also to Beacon Hospice for their tremendous support, especially Jennifer and Emma. We are incredibly grateful for their outstanding compassion toward James during this difficult time.
There are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Groton Heights Baptist Church, 72 Broad St. A dinner reception will follow starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Par Four Restaurant in Groton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Beacon Hospice, 12 Roosevelt Ave., Mystic, CT 06355.
Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Chapman
February 15, 2014
Love Uncle Edmund
Kelly Dixon
February 6, 2014
Best teacher - funny and educational experience every day. I'm so sorry for the loss - he will live on through his students
February 3, 2014
Family of James,
One of the nicest "kids" to know - bright and funny, very special. My sincere condolences.
Ellie Roy
February 1, 2014
Martha and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We didn't know your brother Martha, but from reading everyone who has posted sounds like he was a wonderful teacher, brother, and friend. We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless!!! Rene' & Johnny
Jody DeCarolis
January 31, 2014
Martha and Family,
Jim was a great school mate, Athlete and a good leader. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss...Dee and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jody and Denise DeCarolis
Scott Sanford
January 31, 2014
Martha, Larry and family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Jim had a wonderful spirit about him and truly was a gift from god. This world is a more compassionate place because of him.
Rest in peace my friend and thank you for being a part of my life.
Lee Morris
January 30, 2014
Martha, Chris, Eunice, Ali, and Larry,
May the love of family and friends uphold you and bring you through this very difficult time.
Jon Bakonyi
January 30, 2014
A true "teacher"--one who knew how to engage his students and make physics fun. I can still remember him as one of my favorite high school teachers almost 30 years later. We, his former students, were truly blessed to have had him and will always be a part of his legacy.
Brittni Milam
January 30, 2014
He was an amazing teacher and I feel lucky to have known him!
Mary E. Anderson
January 30, 2014
Thank you, James, for extending your thoughtful,noble,infatuation with life to those of us who knew you in high school.
Your remarkable determination to make us see the sweetness of life...demanding, still, that we pay attention to the toxicity of youthfull innocence and embrace the whole mess regardless, is an expression of your unique kindness and your astute passion on the reading of life.
I recall you never feared a challenge... pushing us beyond our self absorbed teenage brains, to help you with your invention, the 24-HourRelay Run for those in need... while you kept our spirits up with endless air time of "Earth, Wind and Fire" blasting from the field house locker-room.
Many times, you found great joy in solving annoying problems, like the failed starter in your VW bug by parking it on a hill and letting "gravity solve the problem!"
Perhaps unknowing, you tenderly shared an invaluable lifetime of teachings with so many of us. I'm reminded why we must love life and why it matters. It's not just a mirage up ahead.
Peace to you and your loving family and friends. I offer my deepest condolences. May his love of life and of all of you, help to carry you...all of your lives.
John Patterson
January 30, 2014
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Chapman as my physics teacher in Austin, Texas. He was a first rate educator and an even better friend. I will always remember his intellect and humor- Rest in peace Happy Chappy.
Amy McSpadden
January 30, 2014
He was my teacher and my friend. He was such a kind, caring, thoughtful man - intelligent, witty and incredibly funny. I am so sorry he had to go so soon.
Sheri Pellerin
January 30, 2014
Christopher, Martha and Lawrence - My deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother. The love and support he received from you and his friends was nothing short of extraordinary. May all of you find solace in your memories of James.
Colleen Proctor
January 30, 2014
Martha and Family,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss...our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I'm sorry we never had the opportunity to meet James, he sounds like an amazing man.
Wishing you courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Much Love,
Dane and Colleen
Lynda Fazi
January 30, 2014
Martha and Tony,
We did not know your brother but, he sounds like a wonderful man. Hang on to all your wonderful memories. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerly,
Val and Lynda Fazi
Trey Blankenship
January 29, 2014
My deepest condolences on your families loss. Mr. Chapman was by far and away my favorite teacher in high school. He enriched my life and the lives of many of my friends during his time in Austin. I have often found myself remembering his classes and the good times we shared. He will be missed!
Jeff Poitras
January 29, 2014
With deepest sympathy. I am very sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Jim. He will be missed!
Laurie Zaza
January 29, 2014
OH Mr. Chapman, what a loss! You made physics cool, hip and interesting with your Dave Letterman impressions and humor!! And even more than that you were a teacher who really cared and was interested in us as individual people and not just as students! Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Berkeley Dohoney Claxton
January 29, 2014
Jim Chapman was an incredible human who left an indelible mark on every life he touched; be it student, fellow teacher or friend. There are still phrases in my vernacular that were gleaned from Jim and I laugh every time I use them. Outside of being the most dynamic and influential teacher, he had impeccable style and taste, with an eclectic interest in music, literature and film he generously shared. There is no one quite like him and his loss is felt tremendously in Austin. My deepest condolences to Jim's family and friends at home in Connecticut.
Dionn Schaffner
January 29, 2014
One of my most favorite and memorable teachers, Mr. Chapman made physics fun and challenging with his special style and charisma. He will be remembered fondly by his former students. Rams Forever. ~Class of 1988, Johnston High School, Austin Texas.
Sherry Montgomery Rumsey
January 29, 2014
An awesome, compassionate, inspiring teacher... please accept my condolences. He touched many lives.
Jim Roy
January 29, 2014
Those of us that were blessed with running through “the farm” and “the bluff” with James remember him as a talented athlete with a beautiful mind. There was nothing ordinary about our beloved James. I will cherish my memories of him... auld lang syne.
Brett Morris
January 29, 2014
Mr Chapman was my physics teacher in Austin, Texas. He was a great teacher but so, so much more. He was an ally, a friend and a mentor to me and many more … when we needed it most. We all knew he would be legendary in our high school memories and we were right. I'm in Iowa now. Here, and in Texas and many places around the globe … we are sharing your sadness. His humor, compassion and spirit will outlive us all.
January 29, 2014
Martha and Tony,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jody and Denise DeCarolis
Linda Gaudet
January 29, 2014
Martha & family: My sincerest sympathies on the loss of your brother. May wonderful memories of him sustain you during the difficult days ahead.
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