10/16/2025
It is with great sorrow comes the passing of our beloved Trustee, James (Jim) Chrisman. Jim was an incredible member of our community. As his office staff and friends, we will greatly miss him.
James “Jim” Chrisman, eternally 29, passed away, Friday October 10, 2025. He was born in West Terre Haute to Raymond and Hilda Chrisman on November 25, 1939, they have both proceeded him in death. He was the last of ten siblings, Eileen Ellingsworth, Art Chrisman, Danny Chrisman, Kenny Chrisman, JoAnne Crumrin, Doris Houser, Billy Joe Chrisman, Dave Chrisman, Wayne Chrisman and Jack Chrisman.
His wife Dorothy ,whom he married June 28, 1980, died April of 2025. They had fifty wonderful years together and he now rests peacefully in her arms.
Jim is survived by three children, Joanne Chickadaunce of CA, Lisa (Kevin) of Terre Haute, John (Chima) Chickadaunce of West Terre Haute. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Chelsea Morgan (Ryan), Doug Wright, Lindsey Wright, Ashleigh Broulard (Alain), Gavin Hallett, Josh Chickadaunce, Eric Chickadaunce and Meggan Horn (Andrew). He also had five great grandchildren, Sawyer, Vivian, Max, Bennett and Charlotte. He has two surviving sisters-in-law, Myrna Hilton (Gene) and Sherry Morley (Carl).
Jim has been a staple in Vigo County politics for most of his adult life and a proud supporter of the Vigo County Democrats. He has been a precinct committee person for well over 20 years and took his role very seriously.
Jim graduated from Valley High School in 1958. After High School he joined the Marine Corps. There he met several men he would call brothers for all his life but specifically two, Ed Hiebel and “Mac” Mackenzie. With Ed, he gained two nephews that he loved dearly, Scott and Reid. He wasn’t just a Veteran, he was and will always be a Marine-Hoorah!
Jim graduated with a business degree from Indiana State University, but had attended college in a couple of different states, but home called him to finish here. He has served as a West Terre Haute Patrolman and Fireman, ran the water works department and the waste water treatment plant. To say he was invested in his community would be an understatement. He loved West Terre Haute, its people and the community as a whole. He would go on to work for the City of Terre Haute in building inspection, and move on to the waste water treatment plant where he would excel and retire as a Plumber and Steamfitter, local 157. Currently he is the Trustee for Sugar Creek Township.
He was director of the West Vigo Community Center, an early help and coach of youth football, he coached the Bedino baseball team, again, invested in his community, and also served as Justice of the Peace.
He currently serves on the board of Area Planning and is a lifetime member of the Youngs Mens Club and VFW Post 6574.
Jim loved Dorothy, his children and grandchildren more than anything else in the world. He loved to talk about his family and the basement house on Mcilroy. He could tell you every neighbor, business and all the toilet tipping that was done in his ‘neck of the woods”.
Please say a prayer for him.
Funeral services will be held at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM, with burial to follow in Bethesda Memorial Park. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday from 10 AM – 2:00 PM in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, feed a neighbor, clothe a child or extend kindness to your fellow human.
Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com
