WHEREAS, James Brinkley Chapman, an honorable veteran, esteemed mortician and businessman, dedicated public servant, and beloved member of the Smithfield community, died on March 19, 2022; and

WHEREAS, following his graduation from the former Isle of Wight Training School, James Chapman joined the United States Navy, proudly serving his country in the Pacific Theater during World War II; and

WHEREAS, after studying mortuary science in New York City, James Chapman embarked upon a noble career as a mortician with Pretlow Funeral Home in Smithfield, which he later purchased in 1965 and renamed Pretlow and Chapman Funeral Home; and

WHEREAS, for more than a half-century, James Chapman provided exceptional service and care to families in their time of need as they honored and remembered their departed loved ones; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to the advancement of his industry, James Chapman was a former president and life member of the Virginia Morticians' Association and past president, member, and former treasurer of the Peninsula Funeral Directors Association; and

WHEREAS, James Chapman was elected to the Smithfield Town Council in 1978 and persevered through setbacks to ultimately receive the title of mayor of the Town of Smithfield in 1990, becoming the first African American to hold the position in the town's history; and

WHEREAS, James Chapman would serve more than three decades on the Smithfield Town Council, including 19 years as mayor, making a lasting impact on the community that will resonate for many years to come; and

WHEREAS, James Chapman's most rewarding accomplishments in public service include the annexation of the Rising Star community off Battery Park Road in the 1980s and other public works projects to enhance the quality of life for Smithfield's citizens; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to his legacy in Smithfield, the Smithfield Town Council holds its meetings today in the James B. Chapman Chambers of the Smithfield Center, which was developed during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, active and engaged in his community in various other capacities, James Chapman supported many local and national civic organizations, including the Board of Directors for Covenant Place Apartments in Smithfield, the NAACP, and the Virginia Elks Association, which he served as president for 19 years; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to the well-being of his fellow veterans, James Chapman was a founding organizer of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8545 in Smithfield; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, James Chapman enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Main Street Baptist Church in Smithfield, serving five years as president of its Usher Board; and

WHEREAS, James Chapman will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his nephews, Kevin and Ranya; his godchildren, John, Norma, Selden, Troy, Stacey, James, Benzie, and Michelle; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of James Brinkley Chapman, former mayor of the Town of Smithfield, whose devotion to serving others touched countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of James Brinkley Chapman as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.