James Albert Chapman Sr., 85, passed away on September 21, 2026. He was born on March 13, 1941, in Gloucester, Virginia, to Claude Marchant and Lucille Pitts Chapman.

He was a graduate of Gloucester High School class of 1961. Jimmy served in the U.S. Navy Reserve during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He spent many years working as a General Foreman Pipefitter in the Maintenance Department in the Newport News Shipyard. Outside of work, he enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and sharing with neighbors and friends. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved animals. He always had a dog by his side, from King to Blue to Nick to Beau. He is remembered for his many years of playing Santa Claus, and for the joy he gave to children when he put that red suit on. He loved to be surrounded by his family. He was so proud of his four children and seven grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Homer, Sam, Jack and Harry; sister, Lottie; son-in-law, Michael Craig, and his “sidekick,” Martin Robins.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara; his children, Victoria Kirtley (Tee), Kristina Craig, James Chapman II (Hannah), and Benjamin Chapman (Christy); his grandchildren, Reid, Hayden and Tucker Kirtley, Scout and Elijah Craig, and James III and Matthew Chapman, and a special niece, Karen Jackson.

Special thanks to Jurlin for taking such good care of him.

Memorials may be made to Gloucester Fire and Rescue and Singleton United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held on September 28 at Andrews Funeral Home from 6-7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be at Singleton Methodist Church in Ware Neck on Tuesday, September 29 at 11 a.m. A graveside service will proceed at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.