James Chapin

James R. “Jim” Chapin age 86, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Sarah A. Reed Retirement Center.

He was born in Buffalo, NY on February 16, 1931 a son of the late George A. and Ethel Shoen Chapin.

Jim graduated from Kenmore High School in 1949 and the Pratt Institute in 1954 with a BFA dgree. He served in the United States Army Reserves, Corps of Engineers during the Korean Conflict.

Jim was employed at G.E from 1956 until his retirement in 1992 where he worked as an Industrial Designer.

He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church where he was instrumental in designing the sanctuary and later a member  of Lakewood United Methodist Church where he was involved with designing the renovation of the Chancel area. He was also a member of Industrial Designers Society of America, Presque Isle Rotary, G.E. Quarter Century Club, and a member of the Museum of G.E. Business History.

Jim was an artist who enjoyed oil painting and woodworking. His greatest joy was his family and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-granchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Caneen Chapin and a brother, George William Chapin.

He is survived by four children, Becky Dzurik (Michael) of Erie, Mary Hetrick (Richard) of Erie, Kathleen Thomas (Ray) of FL, and James Chapin (Denise) of FL; eight grandchildren, Daniel Dzurik (Ashleigh), Kathleen Torres (Jacob), Timothy Dzurik (Kelley), Christopher Hetrick (Melissa), Colleen Montgomery (Nickolas), Sarah Thomas (Kyle Thompson), Kyle Chapin and Krista Chapin (Tyler Munch); seven great grandchildren, Colby Dzurik, William Hetrick, Nolan Dzurik, Connor Dzurik, Eleanor Torres, Parker Dzurik, and Evelyn Hetrick; and a brother, Richard Chapin.

Jim’s family would like to thank his extended family, the staff at Sarah Reed, for their love, care and compassion during the six years he resided there.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26^th Street (at Powell Ave) on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a service on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 3856 W. 10^th Street, Erie, PA 16505 with Rev. Robert Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sarah A.  Reed Retirement Center 227 W. 22^nd St. Erie, PA 16502 or to Lakewood United Methodist Church 3856 W. 10^th Street, Erie, PA 16505.