Obituary of James K. Chapman

Alamosa native, James K. Chapman, 74, of Sun City, Arizona, died February 21, 2024, from a fall and broken neck.  He was born in Alamosa, Colorado, and loving son of Ada Beth (McClanahan) and Kenneth Chapman. Jim was married to Barbara (Bobbie) Chapman in 1981.

Jim worked most of his life in sales starting at KENN Radio in Farmington, NM selling advertisement and hosting a four hour radio show. Later he was a radio announcer and sold advertising for KSLV in Monte Vista. Most folks know Jim as being their Holsum bread man or he sold them their car at Spradley-Barr Motors, Benway Chevrolet or Whitlock Motors.  But Jim’s fondest job was working for Mike and Kevin Rogers at Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa taking loving care of the families of his classmates and friends.  Most recently Jim worked part-time at Regency Mortuary in Sun City, AZ.

Jim was very proud of his 23 years as a volunteer firefighter for the Alamosa Fire Department were he retired as Captain.  Jim cherished the brotherhood and the friendships he had with the men and women of the fire department.

After retiring in 2007 Jim and Bobbie sold their home and possessions, bought a one-ton pickup and a fifth-wheel RV and hit the road.  They traveled the country for nearly nine years making lifelong RV friends along the way.  To finance their travels Jim and Bobbie worked on the road for Amazon Fulfillment Centers in Kansas and Kentucky as well as working as gate guards at oil wells in Texas for several years.  Most summers you would find them camp hosting in campgrounds in the Rio Grande National Forest in South Fork, Colorado. In 2015 they happily settled in Sun City, Arizona, enjoying the many clubs and amenities offered as well as the warm weather.

Jim is survived by his wife Barbara (Bobbie) Chapman, daughters Christine Chapman-Vigil, Beth Chapman, grandchildren Kenneth Chapman, Max Vigil and Alyssa Vigil and five great-grandchildren, brothers Ron (Cindy) Chapman and Don (Debbie) Chapman.

Celebration of Life will be held April 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Church of the Palms, Sun City, Arizona. Attendees are asked not to wear black but instead to come in bright, colorful colors with men asked to wear cargo shorts, which is all Jim ever wore in Arizona...he would want folks to be happy and celebrate knowing him.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alamosa Firefighters Association, P.O.Box 419. Alamosa, CO 81101 or to Social Justice Programs, Church of the Palms (UCC), 14808 N. Boswell Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351.

Arrangements made by Regency Mortuary, 9850 W. Thunderbird Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351.  Cremation was chosen and ashes will be scattered at favorite fishing spots in South Fork and Creede, Colorado.

Condolences can be made on Jim’s tribute wall at regencymortuary.com.