John Arthur Chapman

Our loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and friend, John Arthur Chapman, (84) of Greenfield,
Illinois passed away at Passavant Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois on November 8th, 2017.
John was born in Whitehall, Illinois to Ralph Chapman and Floy (Kinser) Chapman. Second
youngest of four siblings, John grew up in Greenfield where he attended Burroughs Country
School and Greenfield High. He excelled in academics, sports (running track), and in Scouting.
While attending High School he met the love of his life and his future Bride, Mary Cunningham.
They were married in 1952 and began their life adventure together. Shortly after his marriage,
he proudly served our nation during the Korean War.
Following military service he returned to the area where he entered the University of Illinois
under the GI Bill. While studying at the University their first child (Julie) was born. After
graduating with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, he worked for a small company and began
post graduate studies towards earning his Master’s degree. During this time a second child
(Andrew) was born. In 1960, John and Mary moved to Shelbyville Illinois where he worked for
Oliver Corporation as a senior Product Development Engineer focussing on the further
development of corn pickers. They became very active in the Presbyterian Church, where he
served as a deacon and elder.
In 1965 the family moved to Nebraska, eventually calling Wahoo Nebraska home for 30 years.
During this time, John began a prolific 34 year career at Valmont Industries in Valley Nebraska.
Progressing within Valmont, John held many positions, initially as an Engineer in the Irrigation
Division, VP of Engineering, and Director of Research and Chief Product Manager. He became
a Registered Professional Engineer and finished his requirements for his Master of Science
Degree at the University of Nebraska. As an inventor, John holds 12 patents; all are related to
irrigation equipment. He was a 50+ year member of the American Society of Agricultural
Engineers and was honored and elected as a Fellow within ASAE in 1995. He also received the
Industry Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irrigation Manufacturers Association.
He was active in The Presbyterian Church of Wahoo serving as an Elder and a Boy Scout
Leader. John was very proud of his contribution to humankind. His patents evolved into the
creation and the betterment of the Center Pivot irrigation system. John traveled the world, his
work can be seen throughout 5 continents. He felt travel was part of his Christian Commitment.
He often said “the world is just one very large desert that needs to be irrigated”. He also said “to
live life as he did, could only be done with a wonderful and trusting wife, two great kids and
divine intervention”.
John retired in 2000, when he and Mary relocated to a small farm east of Greenfield Illinois.
Throughout his retirement, he actively and humbly served as a Sunday school teacher and
leader at the Greenfield United Methodist Church. One of his greatest joys during retirement
were the visits of his only grandchild Camille. His principle activities for the past few years have
been tending to his land and enjoying time with his Bride.
The next time you are flying, and you happen to see a green circle of earth in the fields down
below, think of John Chapman. John often said, “It has been a great joy to be blessed with the
opportunity to contribute to the world with something that can be seen from the heavens”.
John and Mary would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this December 14, 2017.
John Chapman is survived by his Bride Mary R. Chapman, daughter Julie Chapman of
Carlinville, Illinois, son Andrew Chapman (Donaday) of Houston, Texas, granddaughter Camille
Chapman of Santa Monica, California, brother James Chapman of Surfside Beach, South
Carolina, along with many nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends and colleagues. He was
proceeded in death by parents, Ralph & Floy Chapman, brother Ralph Chapman, and sister
Hazel Miller.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2017 at Greenfield United Methodist Church 

with burial to follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery in Wrights. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service

Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to Greenfield United Methodist Church or Hickory Grove Cemetery.

Shields- Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of arrangements Condolences may be left online at www.shields-bishopfh.com 
 

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