Hats off, Vermont Skeet Shooter Jim Chapman

S. Burlington -- James R. Chapman, 80, passed away June 26, 2010, at the Respite House after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Johnson, son of Robert D. and Mildred I. Chapman. He grew up in Hyde Park and graduated from Lamoille Central Academy in 1948 and subsequently served four years in the US Army.

Jim was employed by S.B. Collins in St. Albans for 16 years followed by employment with the FAA as a Field Technician for 15 years, retiring in Jan. 1993. Jim's memberships included: National Association of Federal Employees, American Legion Green Mountain Post #1, Franklin Lodge #4 F&AM, life member of National Skeet Shooting Assoc., life member NRA, Sportsman's Club Franklin Co., North Country Sportsman's Club, Underhill Rod & Gun Club, Lamoille Valley Rod & Gun Club, Missisquoi Sportsman Club, and a past member of the Vermont State Air Guard.

He was honored Jan. 17 at the annual Yankee Sportsman Classic in Essex Junction. VT Gov. Jim Douglas presented Jim with the Sporting Heritage Service Award for his many years of volunteer service on behalf of Vermont's sporting community. A long time hunter safety education teacher, shooting instructor and volunteer at numerous rod and gun clubs, he was best known for his skills as a trap and skeet coach and his dedication to raise funds to support club projects. For almost two decades Jim was involved with the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, during which time he held almost every office.

He was predeceased by his wife Duveen (Brigan) Chapman in June 1997; and survived by two brothers, Ben (Betty) Chapman, Tyngsboro, MA, and Paul F. Chapman, Baldwinsville, NY; and one sister, R. Diane (Larry) Ross, San Angelo, TX; a close friend, Alice Sandwell, Richmond, VT, as well as several cousins, a nephew and several nieces and grand-nephews and nieces.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, July 1, at the White-Fiess Funeral Home in Morrisville, with burial to follow in the Lamoille View Cemetery in Johnson, VT. Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 at the funeral to the Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties VNA, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446; VT Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495; or to a Sportsman's Club or charity of your choice.

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Sports

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• Clays Vermont
• Jim Chapman
• The Lost Target
• Joe Potosky

[Dennisfromvenice]

Jim

Thanks for mentoring my shooting, encouraging me to teach and most of all for being such a great friend.

Dennis Bosch