James Christopher Chapman, 62, died on April 23, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born July 13, 1963, at Lincoln Park, Michigan, Jim was the third eldest of seven children. Growing up, he and his family resided in a number of communities suburban and rural in southeastern Michigan and southeastern Ohio ranging from Rockwood and Manchester, Michigan, to Foxes Bottom and New Athens, Ohio. By the mid-1980s Jim relocated his mom and younger siblings to Pinellas County, Florida, where he managed the front desk at the Gulf Sands Resort and later the EconoLodge at Clearwater Beach. After surviving a car wreck in 1989, Jim was visiting family in Detroit at Christmastime, when he met his partner Jay, with whom he has since entirely and lovingly shared the rest of his life. Jim and Jay soon moved to Clearwater and eventually to Gainesville before they returned to Michigan, where Jim supervised the front desk before managing housekeeping at the Ritz Carlton-Dearborn. In 2000 the couple made their home in southwest Detroit’s historic Hubbard Farms neighborhood where they enjoyed hosting their annual Twelfth Night open house for twenty years. For the last twenty years Jim managed the parking lots and shuttle at Harry’s Detroit Bar and Grill where he is surely missed by Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons fans looking for a parking spot.

Jim loved reading and collecting Stephen King novels and stories; singing along to Kris Kristofferson, Meatloaf, and Grateful Dead CDs; dabbling with painting and drawing and sketching floorplans of houses that he and Jay could live in; taking road trips across Florida when he lived there and later to northern Lower Michigan, especially to Moon Lake near Lewiston; imbibing a few cold, bottled Budweiser beers and occasional “Jack and Cokes”; and spending time with the people he loved the most (no matter what he said).

Jim will be remembered for his kindness and quiet disposition along with his strong respect for personal dignity and privacy. He had a gentle way and touch, a quick and ready sense of humor, and a penchant for sarcasm, especially evident in that sideway look he got in his beautiful blue eyes when something was said that he didn’t agree with or approve. Always brave, thoughtful, and loving (even to small children and animals), Jimmy will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love him.

In addition to cherished partner and best friend of 36 years to Jay “JP” Daniel, Jim was beloved brother of Robert (the late Loretta) Chapman, Jonathan (Dennis) Chapman, Cristl Rabideaux, and Lance (Julie) Chapman. Dear son-in-law of Kaye and John Daniel. Much-loved brother-in-law of Lisa Chapman, Lisa (Denis) Gale, Susan Duffany, and Julia (Brian) Walkuski. Precious son of the late Glenda and late Robert Chapman; brother of the late Todd Chapman and the late Chase (Lisa) Chapman; son-in-law of the late Sarah Daniel. Dearly loved nephew of Pat (Gary) Swope, Judy (John) Vittick, and Patsy Rayl. Also survived by loving nieces Shelby, Jenna (Ben), Sierra, Kahlen, and Sarah; nephews Shane (Julie), Jake (Faith), Zachary, Nicholas, and Garrett; and great-nephew Daniel; and many cousins and a world of friends.