Nicholas Raymond Chapman

On May 15, 2010 at 5:45 am the world was a little dimmer with the loss of the bright, vibrant soul of Nicholas R. Chapman, 45. Anyone who was fortunate enough to have met Nick was changed forever. He was a larger than life individual who drew people into his world and made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, but more importantly he was the center of the world for his family and friends. Nick grew up in a Military family and had the opportunity to live in many different places over his childhood. He touched countless souls all over the country while his father R. Nick Chapman proudly served in the Navy for 25 years. He graduated from Clay High School in 1983. During that time he met his soul mate and best friend Jackie Chapman and so started one of the greatest love affairs in history. They were married on December 15, 1984 and continued to fall deeper and deeper in love over the next 25 years. Nick and Jackie were blessed with a son, Michael and two gorgeous daughters Samantha and Stephanie He instilled his upstanding morals and values into his children and raised them to be pillars of the community. He also had the pleasure of watching his children grow into adults and start their own careers and families. Nick was the proud Pops of three beautiful grandchildren, Nicholas, Riley and Elias. With the help of some close friends he started his own marine construction company, Waterfront Wonders, where his creativity, professionalism, and tenacious work ethic turned the company into a success. Nick's legacy will live on through his wife, Jackie Chapman, kids; Michael (Jackie) Chapman, Samantha (John) Goodman and Stephanie Chapman; grandkids, Nicholas, Riley and Elias; parents, R. Nicholas and Bonnie Chapman; sisters, Maureen White, Kathy (Dennis) March, Eileen (Ted) Thompson; brother, Greg Chapman; many nieces and nephews, countless friends and anyone who had the honor and the pleasure to know one of the greatest men to ever walk the face of the earth. The WIND is Forever! “Live humbly and love abundantly” A celebration of Nick’s life will be held 10:00 am Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Orange Park, 1140 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 with Pastor David Tarkington officiating. Following the service the family invites everyone to come to Jacksonville Memory Gardens Cemetery in Orange Park, FL were they will have a Memorial service. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in c/o Nick Chapman Family at Compass Bank, Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32244 Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-4000.