Obituary of James Chapman

James L. Chapman Elmira: age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 17, 2011 with his family surrounding him. Jim was born July 4, 1942, in Elmira, the son of Ransford and Mary Chapman. Jim's birthday suited him well, Independence Day, because he was a brave Marine who loved his country and was incredibly proud of his service and of all who serve. Jim stood up for what he believed in and devoted his life to helping others. James is survived by his family whom he adored……his wife of 45 years, Kathryn Ross Chapman; daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah A. and Edward Wess of Jamison PA with daughter Kathryn; Mary C. and John T. Cox, Jr. of Elmira with children, Morgan and Johnny. Jim was known as "Papa" to his three grandchildren. He was an incredibly important role model and knew each of his grandchildren very well. Jim never missed a ball game, concert, or any other event in their lives. He is also survived by Ann Ross, mother-in-law and predeceased by his father-in-law who he worked with and admired greatly Floyd Ross. Michael Sr. and Ardys Ross, brother and sister-in-law, Janet Ross, sister-in-law, special nephews and their spouses; Michael Ross, Jr., Mark and Denise Ross, and Matthew and Danielle Ross; Aunts, Rose Mekos and Patricia Button, and Uncle Richard Button, also survive. Jim served proudly in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1966. "Semper Fi" or Always Faithful, the Marine Corp motto, describes Jim in all his relationships and commitments. He was a Police Officer with the Elmira Police Department for ten years. Thereafter, he went on to serve as the Director of the Criminal Justice Program and the Forensic Crime Laboratory at the State University of New York, Corning. He proudly served as the Executive Director of the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy-Zone 12 from 1984-2000. Jim was the Director of Training and Standards for the National Association of Computer Voice Stress Analysts. Jim was a world renowned Voice Stress Analyst Expert and had been a VSA Examiner for over 40 years. He continued to conduct VSA examinations up to the time of his passing. Jim was one of only four Master CVS Examiners in the world. He was considered the "elder statesman" of the VSA community worldwide and he will be sorely missed by the thousands of VSA examiners he mentored and influenced over his many decades of service. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of W. Water and Walnut St. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. The family will provide flowers. Please remember Jim with a donation to the SPCA, Route 352, Elmira, New York, 14903.