James Britton Chumbley was born to Roy and Gladys Chumbley on December 20, 1931, in Canadian, Texas. He grew up in Lynwood, CA, where his family moved in 1941. He was baptized there in the Baptist Church. Upongraduation from Compton High School in 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving on the USCG Minnetonka (WPG/WHEC-67) during the Korean War. He was transferred to Alaska where he worked as a buoy tender, then on a Maintenance – Repair Detachment on light houses and isolated Coast Guard stations. He was confirmed into the Episcopal Church while in Ketchikan. After fulfilling his three year enlistment, he used the GI Bill to attend Compton Junior College. He had a short time as a railway brakeman for the freight division of Pacific Electric Railway, Los Angeles CA. He re-enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1958, serving on patrol boats. He was selected for Coast Guard Intelligence and Law Enforcement, and trained in U.S. Treasury Law Enforcement and inPolygraph Testing.

After his career in the Coast Guard, Jim worked at State Farm Insurance as a claims representative for 30 years, followed by five years as an independent adjustor. He retired in 2001. Recreationally he enjoyed fishing, camping, and golfing.

Jim married Marylin Baker on February 16, 1979.  In his later years, Jim spent many hours a day in prayer for his family and friends by name, and more recently, in taking excellent care of Marylin.

He is preceded in death by his sister Nellie and brother Roy; daughter Rhonda, son James (Jay), and granddaughter Mary (Katy). He is survived by his daughters Lynda, and Merridith, and 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Also, survived by Marylin, and her sons John, Joel, Todd, and Scott and their wives; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. A memorial service will be held at St Barnabus Anglican Church in Shoreline, WA on Saturday, April 18th at 2:30 PM.