In Memory of

James

W.

Chapman

Obituary for James W. Chapman

James W. “Tuck” Chapman, 88, of Laurel, passed away on August 6, 2018, at Forrest General Hospital. He was born to Raney and Nellie Thomas Chapman in Poplarville, MS. His parents relocated to Laurel, MS, in 1941. He attended Oak Park High School and learned to work hard at an early age. He later gained employment at Masonite Corporation and after several years, joined Mississippi Power Company as a store assistant. He stayed gainfully employed for 33 years until retirement. His favorite hobbies consisted of watching CNN, piddling in yard, taking naps and drinking coffee with the locals.
James was very reserve but humorous. He was always busy doing something, was a good provider, and generous to his extended family. He attended Friendship Baptist Church where he served as a trustee and usher. James was known for his natural ability to repair anything that he set his mind to. He mastered the skills of auto mechanic. He also pocessed other skills in appliance repair, plumbing, electrical and construction without attending any formal training. He enjoyed landscaping and meticulously maintained yards in the Laurel area. He was also known for his love for automobiles and motorcycles. He enjoyed collecting musical instruments, especially guitars, as well as fashionable hats. He was a collector of collectables.
James is preceded in death by his parents; four siblings; three sons and three grandsons. He is survived by his loving wife, Norweida Chapman; seven children: Marilyn Thomas (Garron) of Hattiesburg, MS; Janice Barnes of Lancaster, PA; Cynthia Warren (James) of Bastrop, TX; Carolyn Chapman of Hattiesburg, MS; Dessa Chapman of Gulfport, MS; Barbara Hilton (Edward) of Laurel, MS; Sherry Davis of New Orleans, LA; twenty grandchildren; two siblings: Earl Chapman (Delois) of Laurel, MS and Helen Milsap of LaGrange, GA.
Visitation will be Saturday August 11, 2018, at Forrest Funeral Home at noon with the memorial service to follow at 1:00 in Forrest Chapel.