James "Brian" Chapman

There are special people in our lives that never leave us even after they are gone and special, he was! James "Brian" Chapman was born Jan. 4, 1961, to Richard and Ramona Chapman and our heavenly father decided he needed him Nov. 23, 2021. Brian left behind a beautiful family, his mother, Ramona Chapman of Fostoria; his wife, Terri (Todd) Chapman of Tiffin; two sons, Caden (Oliva) and Pierceson Chapman both of Findlay; two stepdaughters, Brogan (Fred) Jones of Bloomville and Rayna White of Cleveland; and his "perfect" grandkids, Daclan, Tyson and Freya. He was very proud of his nieces and nephews, Gabe (Lana) Wedge, Zaedyn and Bryler; Zeb (Kari) Wedge, Jordyn and Zavier; Mackenzie (Bill) Krzyzak, Krew; Clay (Kelsie) Chapman, Marley; Lauren (Simon) Chlolometes, Jax, Kallie, Mac, Sophia, Stella and Loula; Miles (Colleen) Chapman; Matt Noftz (Joan); Paige (Andrew) Mack, Brynn, Morgan, Brooke and Cole Noftz; and Brian (Betty) Vitt, Candace and Jessie. Brian, the youngest of four children, is also survived by his siblings, Penny (Don) Ward of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Kevin Chapman and Becky (Mike) Wedge, both of Fostoria; and many friends he considered family. Brian was an accomplished athlete coming out of FHS Class of 1979. He spent his freshman year at BGSU wrestling before transferring to Tiffin University to play football and study Law Enforcement. Brian was a pillar in the football program and helped put Dragon football on the map. He played both tight end and defensive end, but made the biggest impact on the defensive side of the ball. Chapman was a two-time All-District standout and was TU's first-ever all-American in 1987. He holds records for most punts blocked in a single game. Brian was inducted into the TU Hall of Fame in 1997. He also played for Tri-City Raiders. After graduating from TU, he worked for the Seneca County Sheriff's Department and as a detective before retiring. He loved watching the kids in their sports and his "Tiny Dancer" Freya. He was also TU's biggest fan! His funeral will be 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home, Fostoria. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Fountain Cemetery, Fostoria, and will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Chapman family. Online condolences can be made at www.hffh.net. Don't cry because it's over … smile because you knew him!