On September 13, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant and Peace Officer James “Jimmy” Ryan Chappell died as the result of a motor vehicle accident while in the line of duty.
Chappell was born and raised in Norco, a small town in southern California. Being the second-youngest sibling and the oldest boy, he was mischievous, although innocent. Chappell had five older sisters and one younger brother. Chappell had a heart of gold; he never met another child who he did not like and was always the one to start the neighborhood sports games, and make sure everyone was included. In addition to soccer, Chappell also loved water polo, swimming, fixing cars, and all things off-roading. As a young child, Chappell began working as a newspaper delivery boy and worked all the way up until he joined the Army. He was a born leader. Chappell met his future wife, Megan, at a birthday celebration for her that was thrown by a mutual friend and they were together from that night on.
Chappell joined the military in January of 2003 and was almost immediately deployed to Iraq. During this time, he found his deep love for military life and his country. He loved everything about being a soldier; it was a part of who he was. He enjoyed encouraging the newer soldiers and helping them find their path in the military. After seven years of service, however, he decided he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement in addition to continuing his military career. In June of 2010, Chappell was sworn in as a correctional officer and continued to work both jobs until his premature passing. His main goal in the Army was to serve until retirement, which would have been 20 years of service. He served an honorable ten years, however, and was very proud of that milestone. As a correctional officer, Chappell’s goal was to make a positive impact on the men he was in charge of monitoring and his optimism was his most powerful characteristic. Throughout his career, Chappell was awarded many decorations, including three Army Commendation Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and an Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, among many others. On September 13, 2012, Chappell was driving to his last day of active duty for his current assignment when he was involved in a vehicle collision. The injuries he sustained resulted in him passing away one hour later, in his uniform. He was 29 years old, leaving behind his pregnant wife and three children, aged eight, six, and two-and-a-half years old.
Currently, Megan lives in Columbia, Tennessee. As her children get older, she has reclaimed part of her identity apart from being “mom” by continuing and picking up new hobbies such as sewing, writing, gardening, fishing, kayaking, camping, and being outdoors as much as possible. In the future, she is most excited to continue to watch her children grow into their own individuals with unique passions. She is very proud of who they are becoming. Megan is grateful to Tunnel to Towers for honoring her husband’s name by providing her and her children with the financial stability of a mortgage-free home. To honor Chappell’s legacy, Megan and her children strive to include him in daily conversations, big life events, and milestones. She would like others to know that Chappell loved his wife unconditionally and being a father was his proudest accomplishment. He was selfless and had a heart like no other; anyone who knew him was blessed to have him in their life.
United States Army Staff Sergeant and Peace Officer James “Jimmy” Ryan Chappell leaves behind his loving wife, Megan, his four children, many family members, friends, his work family, and his family at the 250th Transportation Unit.