James E. Chapman

On Monday, March 2, 2021, Our Sovereign God, called our beloved and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend, James Earnest Chapman, home from labor to reward. James was born on May 10, 1945, and was a native of, Isle of Wight County, Virginia. James attended East Suffolk High School before leaving to honorably serve in the United States Army in 1965. He was a part of the 3rd Brigade 325th Infantry at Fort Bragg, N.C.; Parachute Insertion Fighting Force. In 1967 during a jump, James was severely injured, ending his military career. Upon being honorably discharged from the United States Army, he was awarded National Defense Service Medal; Parachutist Badge. James was raised by his mother as a Christian however in 1971; James embraced the teaching of the Nation of Islam. He was a Student Minister under the teaching of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad until his passing in 1975 after which, James continued to serve as a Student Minister with Brother Larry X under the teaching of the Honorable Louis Farrakhan. He was a pioneer and revolutionary with a great passion for the Word of God and a heart for God’s people, faithfully serving in ministry with the F.O.I. (Fruit of Islam) at Muhammad Temple #57 in Norfolk, Virginia. He carried out his passion for teaching not only in the temple but in his home as he raised and taught his family the teaching of Islam and throughout the community at large. He was extremely well versed in the Bible and The Holy Quran. In 1972, James married then, Ruth Beatrice Alston of Suffolk, VA and resided in the Lake Kennedy neighborhood in Suffolk, VA until his passing. James and Ruth raised eight children together in their home. James was a great provider, supportive and dedicated father, who embraced the role of fatherhood and grandfather, wholeheartedly. He was willing to go over and beyond for his family many times over. He worked tirelessly to help his family succeed at their goals in life. He was an extremely humbled soul, that hardly asked anyone for much at all, but was always willing and ready to be of service to anyone in need, especially his family. He provided guidance and imparted wisdom into the lives of his grandchildren, with a special love and care for his grandsons. James had infinity with boating and fishing. He would often take his family out for fishing and crabbing at many local lakes and rivers, drive-in movie theaters, and long road trips. One of his favorite songs to listen to was, “Sitting on the dock of the bay,” by Otis Redding. James had many long-time, close friends and was affectionately known by Junnie or Shortman throughout the community. He learned the trade of plumbing, mechanics, and construction and was able to be of great help to hundreds of people throughout the years, always willing to give a helping hand to those in need. He remained a teacher and leader not only in his home but in his community. James was proceeded in death by his mother, Gerdia Chapman, his son Robert F. Alston and his granddaughter, Miche’ E. Alston all of whom he immensely loved. He leaves to cherish in his memory a wife, Ruth B. Chapman, six daughters; Tongerlar Argeta (Genaro), Sandra DeLoatch (Robert), Rongelar Kelly (Barry), Deranda Turner, Susie Alston, and Linda Alston-Perryman, three sons, Rahman Rahim Chapman(Caroline), Rashad Aadil Chapman, and Salik Chapman. Three sisters; Aldora Chapman Harper, Olivia Crawley, and Rosa Chapman Bland (Junious), two brothers, Walter Clinton Chapman (Elnora) and Glen Chapman (Lashelle.); Twenty-two grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, four sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2021 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel. He will be laid to rest in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home , Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James E. Chapman, please visit our flower store.