Jeremy "Jerry" Ward Chapman, 90, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, July 25, 2025. He would have turned 91 on July 28.
Jerry was born on July 28, 1934, in Glen Arbor Township, Leelanau County, Michigan, to the late Raymond and Ota (West) Chapman. The youngest of 7 children, Cora, Harold, Betty, Tom, Murray and Ray.
He graduated from South Haven High School in 1952 and then honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked as an aircraft mechanic, working on C124's.
Following his service, he worked his way through MSU with the help of the GI Bill, graduating with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice. After working in Ohio he took a position in Michigan. First as a counselor at Maxie Boys Camp then as a probation parole officer in Ann Arbor. After several years, he transferred to Traverse City and eventually was promoted to Supervisor of Several Counties. He retired in 1992.
In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed crossword puzzles, snowmobiling, fly fishing, gardening, reading, airplanes and watching sports.
He and his first wife Barbara Alexander had three children, Kevin, Tom and Michelle. Family has always been very important to him. He later married Jean (Lawrence) Uithol on November 2, 1981. Jean had three sons, Gil, Scott and Jason which made a family similar to the "Brady Bunch" but with five sons and one daughter.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings and stepson Jason Uithol.
He is survived by Jean, his loving wife of 43 years; his children, Kevin Chapman, Tom (Mary) Chapman, Michelle (Scott Anderson) Chapman-Anderson, grandsons Duncan and Aidan Chapman-Anderson, and Cole Chapman.
He is also survived by stepsons, Gil Uithol, Scott (Caren) Uithol, and step-daughter-in-law Christina Uithol; step-grandchildren, Derek (Amber) Uithol, Christopher Uithol, Megan (Shane) Rosa, Stefanie (Kendrick) Meyer, Elissa (Ethan) Park, David (Marlena) Uithol, Anja and Kai Uithol, Ismail and Kaleo ElGabry, Xiomara Uithol, great grandchildren, Aria, Addison, Emily, Makenzie, Miles, and one on the way, along with many other loving family members and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Traverse City, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow the luncheon at Ogdensburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Hospice of Michigan, Grand Traverse Pavilions or Cherryland Humane Society.
Family greatly appreciates the excellent compassionate care received from Staff at the Grand Traverse Pavilions, Helen, Natalia, and Joclyn. Also, the Staff from Hospice of Michigan, Mary and others.
Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .