Leroy Chapel

A courageous World War II Veteran, Jim had served with the 10th Mountain Division and qualified as an expert in marksmanship. He was proud to have served his country and flew an American flag year round.

Throughout his life, Jim was regarded as a hard worker, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Never having missed a day of work, he was a dedicated welder and heat treater at Sylvania for 34 years. He also spent many years raising livestock, haying fields, and cutting wood for himself & others.

Jim was an avid fisherman, hunter and all around outdoorsman. He enjoyed traveling with his family to Alaska, Canada, and Maine, where the wildlife, mountains, and rocky coastlines held a special place in his heart. He was particularly fond of seeing lighthouses and moose. In his later years he traveled to the west, visiting Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park where he was fascinated by the buffalo herds there. What he loved the most though, was just spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

Jim is survived by five children, Alan Chapel, and companion, Tina West, of Sheffield; Cindy McCollough, and husband, James, II, of Russell; Betsy Fuchs, and husband, Martin, also of Russell; Patsy Chapel, of Erie; and Burdette Chapel, of Lacy, WA; three siblings, Glenn Chapel, of FL, Marge Lindsey, of Warren, and Florence “Toni” Stewart, of Warren; four grandchildren, J.T. McCollough, Lacey McCollough, Alyssa Fuchs, and Robert Chapel; two great-grandchildren, Karson McCollough and Scarlett Moore; his buddy and caregiver, John Schwone; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death on December 4, 2008, by his wife, Elsie M. (Gebhart) Chapel, whom he was married to for 49 wonderful years; three brothers; and five sisters.

Friends will be received at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home, Inc. 1003 Penn. Ave. E., Warren, on Monday, January 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., and for one hour prior to a funeral to be held there at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, with Rev. Rick Hamrick, pastor of Youngsville Free Methodist Church, officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Youngsville American Legion Honor Guard.

Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution should consider the Glade Volunteer Fire Department or the Wounded Warrior Project.

E-condolences may be sent by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com.