Published on January 14, 2026 6:26 am
Last Updated on January 14, 2026 6:26 am
James Lee Chapman, Sr, age 75, of Hidalgo, Illinois, passed away at 2:44 PM – Monday, January 12, 2026, at his home. A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 12:00 PM (Noon) – Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Mike Knepper officiating. The burial will be in the Aten Cemetery in Hidalgo, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 AM until service time. In loving memory of Jim, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Support Group, PO Box 333, Newton, Illinois 62448. The obituary can be viewed and condolence left at www.meyerfh.com. James Lee, better known as Jim, was born on February 12, 1950, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Jerry Wayne and Agnes Margaret (Rentz) Chapman. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1968. Jim married Judy Ann Richardson on November 10, 1967, in Henderson, Kentucky, and she survives
Jim worked for Rich-Law FS which later became Wabash Valley FS for 40 years. He worked in all capacities with the company and in later years delivered propane to area farmers and homeowners.
Jim took pride in taking care of his yard and liked to tinker on things and could fix almost anything. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his family.
Jim trained and raced standardbred horses and bowled in area leagues for several years. He was a mentor to his family, especially his children and was their biggest fan in all their sports activities.
Jim is survived by:
Wife of 58 years – Judy Ann Chapman of Hidalgo, Illinois
Children – James Lee “Jim” Chapman, Jr of Willow Hill, Illinois; Angela (Damon) Atkins of Lexington, Indiana; and Heidi (James) Willenborg of Greenup, Illinois
Grandchildren – Dakota Willenborg, Cierra Willenborg, Autumn Willenborg, Jacob (Elissa) Ochs, Lucas (Haley) Ochs, Brayden Atkins, Jackson Chapman, and Claire Chapman
Great Grandchildren – Blaykelee Chapman, Ella Grace Ochs, Ryker Ochs, Rynley Ochs, Bryson Willenborg and Colton Donsbach
Brother – Eddie “Sid” Chapman of Cynthiana, Kentucky
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Larry Chapman and Jerry Chapman.