Deacon James M. Chappell, 77, of Oneida, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025, as the faithful celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. On this most holy of days, he was gently welcomed home by Christ at Oneida Health Extended Care Facility, where he had been a resident.
He was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1948, in Rochester, the son of Richard M. and Irene (Roth) Chappell. He was a 1966 graduate of Edison Tech High School in Rochester. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College in 1970. Deacon Jim received his master’s degree in divinity from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.
He was ordained a deacon on November 21, 1981, and faithfully served for many years. He began as a deacon and director of religious education at St. Mary’s of the Lake in Skaneateles. Then, as a deacon at Holy Family in Vernon, and followed by many years as a deacon at St. Joseph’s Church and St. Patrick’s Church. When several area churches merged, he continued his ministry for the Spirit of Hope Parish, where he served with humility, compassion, and a deep love for Christ and His people. Deeply religious and steadfast in his faith, Deacon Chappell was a well-spoken and insightful homilist whose reflections were often enriched with meaningful stories that resonated deeply with those who heard them. His words had a way of connecting faith to everyday life, leaving a lasting impression on parishioners and friends alike.
He continued his ministry as a chaplain for the New York State Department of Corrections for 27 years, offering spiritual guidance, compassion, and hope to those in his care, and retired on April 29, 2015.
Deacon Jim was an honorary life member of the E. Bart Hanifin Council #473 Knights of Columbus, where he formerly served as chaplain and past grand knight, faithfully integrating his diaconal ministry into every aspect of his service. He was also an honorary life member of the Edmond A. McDowell Assembly #189 Fourth Degree, where his leadership, humility, and devotion to the Church reflected his lifelong calling as a deacon.
Deacon Jim carried his faith and love of teaching into the classroom at Holy Cross Academy, where he had been a devoted teacher of government and economics since 2007. In recognition of his unwavering commitment to faith-based education, he was named the Cyrenian of Holy Cross Academy in 2023 for advancing and sustaining the school’s mission. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate, the Deacon Jim Chappell Scholarship Fund was established to support and inspire future Holy Cross Academy students.
Deacon Jim’s Mass of the Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 3, at St. Joseph’s Church in Oneida, where the Most Rev. Bishop Douglas J. Lucia presided and Rev. Christopher J. Ballard served as homilist.
Memorial contributions may be made in Deacon Jim’s memory to the Deacon Jim Chappell Scholarship Fund at Holy Cross Academy, 4020 Barrington Hill, Oneida, NY, 13421. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc., 342 Main St., Oneida. You may view the obituary and send the family a message of sympathy at www.ironsidefuneralhome.com.
