James Dean Chapin, Jr., 30, of Sweetser, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023. He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Tuesday, September 22, 1992, to James Chapin and Amy (Reske) Chapin-Frost.
James graduated from Oak Hill High School in 2010. He had enlisted in the USMC on his 17th birthday, prior to graduating from high school. Stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, James served his country as a LCpl in the Third Battalion Fifth Marines First Marine Division, First Platoon Lima Company. Serving in the Infantry as a Dark Horse was his greatest honor. During his time of service, James served as a Team Leader during his deployment on the USS Green Bay in September of 2012, returning in May of 2013.
Following his military service, James worked as a glazer in Mesa, Arizona. Upon his return to Indiana, he continued his work as a glazer but, most recently, worked as a Tool & Die Machinist for Global Precision Parts in Wabash.
James enjoyed anything on two wheels. He had raced dirt bikes since the age of six and won several trophies through the years. James loved being outdoors, especially deer hunting and fishing. Most summer evenings you could find him outside by the bonfire. More than anything, James loved spending time with his family, especially with his two nieces.
Survivors include his mother, Amy Chapin-Frost of Sweetser; step-father, Les Frost of Swayzee; sister, Summer (Devon Needler) Chapin of Marion; brothers, Les (Tessa Klebba) Frost, Jr., of Wabash and Cole Frost of Swayzee; nieces, Nyla Smith and Willow Smith; grandmothers, Bernice Chapin and Karen Reske; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; and his beloved pit bull, Sarah.
He was preceded in death by his father, James “Jim” Dean Chapin, and grandfathers, Phillip Chapin and Greg Reske, Sr.
The family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
A funeral service to celebrate James’ life will be held at Storey Chapel at 11:30 am on Friday, September 1, 2023. Pastor Crystal Thoman will be officiating with burial following at Grant Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
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