Mr. James Curtis Chapel

James Chapel born February 10, 1963, to Mary Angus Chapel, Leroy Rich in Lumberton, North Carolina and Step-Father Leroy Wactor. On September 15, 2024, James peacefully passed away at his home in Spanaway, Washington. James' family relocated to Washington in 1977 when his father was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. James graduated from Clover Park High School and Saint Martin College, where he was a star basketball player. James was employed by Pierce County Juvenile Court as a Probation Officer for over 35 years. Most of his career was spent working with youth in the Hilltop area. James was highly respected by his peers and anyone he met. He was recently referred to as "The Father of Probation" because of his longstanding service and commitment to his work. James truly loved his job and his co-workers and made a lasting impact on the lives of the youth and families he worked with across Pierce County and beyond. His commitment to his community and the kindness he shared with the people he served will be remembered by many. If you knew James, you knew his love for food and good company. James cherished spending time with friends he considered family, whether at outdoor concerts or at the homes of DaMareus Walker, Brian and Rhonda Barron, or Tony Heard. These gatherings were filled with fun, laughter, and camaraderie, which James embraced wholeheartedly. A devoted Carolina Panthers fan and proud supporter of Tarheel Nation, James always represented his hometown pride with a visor, hat, or jersey, reminding everyone of his roots in North Carolina. James will forever be remembered for his kind heart, his joyful spirit, and the love he shared with everyone who crossed his path. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.James is preceded by death by his mother, Mary Agnes Chapel; father, Leroy Rich; and paternal sisters, Shvonne Rich Brown and Patrica Rich Wilridge. James leaves to mourn: his stepfather, Leroy Wactor; brother, Gary; sister, Lisa Paternal; siblings, Curtis Lee Rich of Fayetteville, NC, Sherry Rich of Harlem, NY, Sharon Rich of Woodbridge, NJ, China Doll Rich Rodriquez of Bronx, NY, Yolanda Rodriquez of Harlem NY, Anthony Rich of Orlando, FL and Curtis (Shannon) Rich of Albany, NY; aunts, Louise Smith and Esther Mckethan Edwards both of Fayetteville, NC; and a host of brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, nephews, nieces, and cousins in Fayetteville, North Carolina

Mr. James Curtis Chapel

February 10, 1963 - September 15, 2024