James Matthew Chappell, 70 years old, passed away Monday February the 23rd in his home in Cushing, Oklahoma, with his wife Jacqueline holding his hand.

James was born in Middletown Ohio on April 18th, 1955. He attended Middletown High School and later attended Miami University in Middletown and in Oxford, Ohio, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree.

Most people knew him as Jim. And his family often called him Jimmy. Jim was many things. But because of his quiet nature, most people did not really know him well. Jim was a son, a brother, a husband, an artist, and a Navy man. He must have always felt comfortable in a uniform because as a boy he was a Troop 1 cub scout, a boy scout, and later became an Eagle Scout. Then he joined the Navy and wore the uniform of a Gunner's mate. He attended boot camp in Chicago Illinois. He was stationed on the USS LUCE DDG38 out of Mayport Florida. He served between the years of 1974 and 1979 in the Atlantic. During that time the LUCE took port in many countries. He enjoyed telling his wife stories about some of the good and some of the not so good things that happened during those years. He liked talking about seeing Pompeii, eating Spanish food, and knowing what a real Italian pizza was. Jim was a history buff and traveling to and learning the history of these different places thrilled him.  Good or bad, each place had a history and Jim wanted to know about it. Jim was also a proud member of the American Legion Post 108.

Jim was an artist, he liked doing crafts, and he enjoyed woodworking.  He started out painting landscapes. And with a little persuasion, and his love and animals, he started painting colorful animals, and people, and discovered he was quite good at it. He spent a lot of his free time watching television. The stuff you like to watch usually pertain to World War II, World War I, historical facts, and Star Trek. Really, he was a jack of all trades.  He'd say, "I can do a lot of things, but I've never really been super good at just one." He did several different kinds of maintenance jobs throughout his life. And he worked for the VA as Community Care associate. Until he came down with cancer and he had to take off too much time for treatment.

Later in life, Jim met up with his high school sweetheart Jacqueline Cogan/Chappell. They met again, 40 years later, online. Jim drove from Durham, North Carolina to Billings, Montana for a two-week visit. And before he drove back home, he proposed to her. And her answer was, "Sure why not."  They got back together in 2009 and were United in marriage in 2012.

He was preceded in death by his father James R Chappell, his mother Marilyn (Meeker) Chappell, and his brother John Chappell.

His sister Joan Ross, her husband Robert Ross, and niece Elle Ross, all reside in North Carolina.

Jim may have worn many uniforms in his life. But, those uniforms could not show the many battles that this man fought.  He was a true warrior! And eventually when the last battle came, is when he became a HERO!

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home.  The Family will be holding a Celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the American Legion Post 108, 214 S. Noble Ave.  Cushing, OK 74023.