Born April 3, 1960
Left this life June 30, 2020
Husband to Jerrilynne for 23 years.
Father to Aaron (Erica); Cathy (Brian); Kat; Justin and Cassie (Wesley).
Grandfather to Madison, Nika, AJ, Bryant, Zante and Kolsun.
When Jim Chambers comes to mind, one could describe him in a multitude of ways. Quietly unassuming. Incredibly kind. Hardworking. Giving of himself. Friend. Community servant. Practical jokester. Some would even say grumpy old man.
But I believe he would want to be best known for being a devoted husband and loving father. Jim and Jerrilynne have been married for 23 years and together for several years longer. They've shared joy and sorrow, endured hardships together, fought what life has thrown their way (and sometimes each other) yet thru it all they remained best friends and a model to what marriage and commitment is. If you ever wanted to know where Jimmy's heart was, you only had to look as far as Jerri....she held it in her hands.
Biologically, Jimmy had 3 children. He raised 2 more who consider him their Dad in all but blood. However, there are dozens of young men and women who have called him Dad or Papa Jim over the years. Many of them still visited him frequently at home or at the fire station. Those who now have children of their own, have introduced a new generation to him and he is their Da or Papa as well. When asked of their favorite memories of their dad, Cathy, Justin, Cassie, Kat and Aaron each had a plethora to choose from including learning about the history of trains and how they work, working at the fire station and going on calls together, family trips to find the perfect Christmas tree complete with MarshMellow wars, seeing his playful side when he and Jerri would chase the younger kids around and watching him enjoy time with his grandkids. All of his children would agree that Jim was a prime example of what a father should be-constant, loving, playful and firm when necessary. One memory that stuck out most for Cathy was a time when she went to help him repair the cross at the church. She had gone up in the bucket of his crane. It bounced and she was afraid she would fall. As she cried, he told her she never had to be scared because he was there to catch her. That sums Jimmy up to a T. He was always there...for his family, his friends and his community.
Jim volunteered for Saginaw Fire and Rescue for 24 years. During that time, he presided as Chief several times and was serving in that capacity when he last became sick. Being a fireman was one of his greatest joys. He relished serving his community and his dedication was evident each time he put on his gear. He believed in putting your best foot forward when you walked into the station and he passed on that dedication and drive for excellence to scores of young men and women who he trained during his career with Saginaw Fire.
While there are many words to describe him and what he meant to each of us; there are no words that can fill the void that has been left by his passing. He was loved as fiercely as he loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
- Audrey Landry
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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