James O. Chaplin

James O. Chaplin, 75, passed away on April 14, 2024, in Milo, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo. A funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral home following the service. Jim will be interred privately at Iowa Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Milo American Legion.

Jim was born on November 17, 1948, in Indianola, Iowa to Kenneth and Wilma (Hervey) Chaplin. He graduated from Indianola High School with the class of 1967. On June 8, 1968, Jim married Kathie Wadle in Milo, Iowa. On July 15 of that year, Jim left for basic training during the height of the Vietnam War. Following his time in active duty, he joined the reserves where he served until 1978. Jim worked in the telecom industry, retiring with Qwest after 40 years.

Jim was a man whose family came before anything else in his life. Whether it was camping, coaching Little League games, or playing card games, family was always there. He enjoyed teaching the grandkids different games to play. As much as he adored his grandchildren, he would never let them win whatever game they played. Jim enjoyed being a member of the gun club where he would also keep score for the kids. While he would pretend to be a grump, his family always knew how much he loved being around them. His fun and caring personality will be missed dearly by so many who love him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathie; daughter, Katrina (Steve) Davis; grandchildren: Andrew (Celia) Romick, Alisa (Melanie) Romick, Emily (Nick) Bates, Katlyn (Brad) Millison, Makenzie Pritchard, Shelby (Peyton) Miller, Bryce (Amber Beener) Romick, and Drew Davis; 13 great grandchildren; and his siblings: Wendell Chaplin, Lois Bennett, John Chaplin, Gary Chaplin, Janice Benge, and David Chaplin.

He was preceded by his parents; and his siblings: Louise Kirkpatrick, Floyd Chaplin, Dwayne Chaplin, Dean Chaplin, Dale Chaplin, and Carl Chaplin.