J.C. Chapman Obituary

Garnand Funeral Home

J.C. Chapman, 91, of Johnson, Kansas, passed away on April 12, 2020, at the Kansas Soldiers’ Home at Ft. Dodge, Kansas, where he had been a resident for a short time.  

J.C. was born on February 23, 1929, in Clarksville, Texas, the only child of Laurence and Lena (Tubbs) Chapman.  He attended elementary school at rural Madras School and graduated in 1946 from Clarksville High School. Next, he attended Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas, and received his Associate of Arts Degree in 1948.  For the next 2 years, J.C. attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The Korean War interrupted his studies, and J.C. served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53, a member of Company B of the 47th Armored Infantry Battalion.  Due to his select skills, J.C. served his tenure as a court recorder at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, and also sang in the CC “B” Cappella Choir. In 1953, J.C. returned to college at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, to study music education and completed his degree in 1955.  Later, in 1963, he received his Master’s of Science Degree from Fort Hays State College, Hays, Kansas.

J.C. began his teaching career in Ballinger, Texas, but after one year there, was called home when his father was in failing health.  He taught at Dimple School near his home in Clarksville. In 1960, J.C. moved to Kansas and taught in several school districts, including Satanta, Hudson, Sharon, and then moved to Johnson in 1968 where he taught until his retirement in 1989.

J.C. made lasting friendships in the communities he served.  He was a people person and enjoyed a good joke or story. His laugh was contagious as was his smile. He was generous with his time and talents and often helped those in need.

J.C. was a longtime member of the Johnson Methodist Church and served as music director for 40 years.  We find comfort in the thought that J.C. is now directing a heavenly choir. J.C. took flying lessons after moving to Johnson and made his first solo flight on July 30, 1969.  He was a member of the Johnson Masonic Lodge, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, and enjoyed friendships and fellowship at the Stanton County Senior Center.

J.C. is survived by his cousin, Peggy Diggs, of Dallas, Texas, and by longtime friends, Ed and Janet Spangenberg of Olathe, Kansas, who J.C. liked to call his “adopted kids”, and by his good friend and caregiver, Lois Hudgens of Johnson, Kansas.

J.C. arranged to donate his body to KU Medical Center for research and education.  A memorial in J.C.’s memory has been established with the Johnson United Methodist Church Women’s Organization (UMW) and donations may be sent to Garnand Funeral Home, P.O. Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855, who is in charge of his arrangements.  A memorial service for celebrating J.C.’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.