- Date Of Death: February 4, 2017
- State: New Mexico
Jerry R. Chapman, age 82, a 20 year resident of Los Lunas was taken by his creator on February 4, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, friend, supporter and devoted companion of 38 years whom he named Kate. Children; Mindy, Ken and wife Martha and Eric. Grandchildren; Michelle, Dieter, Katy and husband John, Erica, and Michael. Great-grandchildren; Michaela, Bonnie, Violet, Mark and Jane. Brother; James and wife Pat and their families. Many, many relatives, friends, co-workers and fellow volunteers will miss him.
Jerry was born in Missouri to Claude and Alice Chapman, graduated Jennings High School and enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served on the LST 692 in the Korean War until 1955.
He began a career in Sales after the Navy. He was a natural at sales because he loved helping everyone. He was charming, witty, honest and sincere; necessary traits for success. And succeed he did. After forty years with Reynolds Aluminum Packaging he retired as Western Regional Sales Manager. The axiom “choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life” truly applied to Jerry. Never did he have a complaint about his work. Even 20 years after retirement he kept in touch with many of his fellow Managers exchanging stories or reminiscing.
He loved golf. Golf with clients, co-workers and friends, anyone. Payne Stewart was his idol. Jerry was the definition of a gentleman. Always concerned about his family and friends, of which there are many. His word was his bond, period. A kind, loyal, gentle spirit with a great sense of humor. He loved his gray cat named…..Mouse. (more humor)
He spent summers for seven years as a shipmate on the LST325, a ship returned from Greece, restored and now docked in Evansville, Indiana. They cruised lakes every year, going to new cities to show off the ship and recite her history. Thousands toured every year, the Captain, Jornlin, even wrote a book on her accomplishments. A very proud crew indeed.
He served loyally and proudly in the Korean War Veterans Association for 13 years and as President for the past three years. During those years he participated in the design and construction of a beautiful Korean War Monument at the Veterans Memorial Park in Albuquerque. He was determined to honor Hiroshi Miyamura, MOH recipient from New Mexico by changing the name of the KWVA chapter to: Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura MOH, Chapter 82, Albuquerque, NM. The American Korean community honored the Korean Veteran’s on every occasion. At all the anniversaries and special events, the two groups were together celebrating. Celebrating FREEDOM. ” Freedom is not free” was a mantra Jerry often repeated.
Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Saturday, April 22nd, 2017, 11:00am, Veterans Memorial Park
