James Chambers

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- James "Jim" Chambers was born Jan. 31, 1960, in Paulding, Ohio, and entered into heaven on his son John's birthday Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, at the age of 60. He was the son of the late Dewey Chambers and Lydia Wyatt.

After the death of his father at a very young age, he and his two sisters were raised by two remarkable women, Grandma Clem, who thought Jim could do no wrong, and Aunt Gladys, who became "Mom."

After graduating from Chaffee High School and trying the "college life," Jim married the love of his life, Mary Blattel, on Sept. 18, 1982.

Soon after, he decided to "try" law enforcement. He told Sheriff Bill Ferrell, "I probably won't be here long," and after a 20-year career at Scott County, he went to work for the Cape Girardeau Police Department. He then landed his "dream job," becoming chief of police in Chaffee. He truly loved Chaffee and the people he served.

Over the years, Jim coached many baseball, softball and basketball teams in town. He loved playing golf with his buddies and spending time with his Elk brothers.

Together, Jim and Mary raised three great kids, Jimmy Chambers, Nikki (Marcus) LeGrand and John (Miranda Ruedrich) Chambers. Along with Miranda came his "true joy," Noah, whom he was proud to have call him PaPa! He is also survived by his mom, Gladys Chambers; his two sisters, Nancy Chambers of Chaffee and Mary Ann (Daryl) Wyatt of Kennett, Missouri. After marriage, Mary's brothers and sisters became his: Edie (Leon) Eeftink, Darrel (Joan) Blattel, Gerald (Marge) Blattel, Sherry (Duncey) Dunseith, Patsy (Dale) Tenkhoff and Brad Blattel. Jim is also survived by a special godson, Mac Sadler, and family.

He was preceded in death by his Grandma Clem, Grandma Elsie Scott, Grandma Anne Glastetter, Grandpa Bud Wyatt and his in-laws, Norman "Boss" and Rose "Tootie" Blattel

There will be a memorial visitation Thursday at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee. Prayer service will start at 5 p.m., with Elks service immediately following. Memorial visitation will follow until 8 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Chaffee, with the Revs. Joe Kelly, John Harth and Mike McDevitt officiating. Committal will follow in the church cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.