Dr. James William Chapin, March 21, 1946 – November 6, 2023, was born in Fort Crook, Nebraska to James and Marguerite Chapin and lived most of his life in Omaha but more recently resided in Sandestin, Florida, and, even more recently, Watercrest. He was an accomplished anesthesiologist; an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather; an avid golfer (bordering on "obsessive"); and a genuinely kind person. He will be missed.

Dr. Chapin was raised in Omaha and attended Benson High School where he played basketball & trombone. From there he attended the University of Nebraska for both undergraduate and medical school. He went on to practice anesthesiology and teach at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for the rest of his career, doing important research in malignant hyperthermia and helping institute and develop a liver transplant program at UNMC. He delighted patients, students, and staff alike with his trademark humor and good nature.

Jim Chapin loved golf from his caddying days in high school and spent much of his free time on the course at the Omaha Country Club, at courses around the world from Hawaii to Scotland to alligator-infested fairways in Mexico, and eventually at Burnt Pine in Sandestin. His study was filled with stacks of notes to himself about how to improve his game, and even when not playing, he relished a walk around a golf course, keeping a sharp eye out for errant golf balls. He kept up this walking to the end, content to roam the halls at Watercrest.

Dad was a devoted husband, married for a lifetime to Phyllis; together they raised two children, traveled the world, and always cherished their time together. Even in the throes of late-stage Alzheimer's, when Dad had lost much, he always knew and fervently loved Mom - and he particularly loved to dance with her and hold her hand. Dad was always caring and supportive as a father, quick to share a (sometimes inappropriate) joke from the operating room at the family dinner table or provide extremely detailed explanations of medical topics, always eager to play a round of golf or watch a Nebraska football game with his boys.

Grandpa/Pop-Pop loved his sons and their families and delighted in his four grandchildren, laughing, and joking with them at the zoo and golf course in Omaha, on the beach in Sandestin or at Disney parks. He was always game for a card game or a Pixar movie, and he was ever ready with a pun. We all giggled at his mischievous smile, widened eyes and "who, me?" feigned innocence.

Doc was one of the first residents at Watercrest, where he found a wonderful community (which he called his "guys"); a caring, thoughtful staff; and a comfortable, safe environment in which to walk, and laugh, and dance, and occasionally abscond with a cup of pudding (he was just a little ornery to the end).

Dr. Chapin/Jim/Dad/Grandpa/Pop-Pop/Doc will be missed for what he did but even more who he was every day: a kind, gentle, positive person who brought joy to those around him. He is survived by Phyllis Chapin (née Nyberg), his wife of 54 years; his sons and their families: John, Wendy, Bailey, and Quinn; Andrew, Tori, Adele, and Ema; his cousins Charlie and Bill Chapin; and many more for whom he truly made a difference.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the McGoogan Library Fund (#01020860) at the University of Nebraska Foundation, P.O. Box 82555, Lincoln NE 68501-2555. Please make checks payable to the NU Foundation, include on the memo line or enclosed note that the gift is in memory of James W. Chapin M.D.and provide the fund name and number. Please visit nufoundation.org to make an online gift. Additionally, memorial gifts may be made to MHAUS.org (Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the US), in the name of James W. Chapin, M.D.