Obituary for James Francis Chaffee
James F. Chaffee, Sr., 77, of Nutley, NJ, passed away on March 23, 2024. "Jim" Chaffee, son of Harold and Winnifred (Jakes) Chaffee, was born on February 23, 1947, in Belleville, NJ. He graduated from Belleville High School in 1965 and served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1965 - 1971, attaining the rank of Sergeant.
From 1976 to 2004, Jim dedicated himself to service as a firefighter and eventually rose to the position of Safety Director of the Essex County Hospital Center Fire Department. His commitment to protecting others was unwavering, leaving an indelible mark on his community.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane (Brady) Chaffee and his sister, Marilyn Wixson. He is survived by his devoted wife, Laura (Zimmerman) Chaffee; a brother, Harold Chaffee, Jr., of Boca Raton, FL; his daughter, Suzanne Petrone, and her husband Michael of Scotch Plains, NJ, along with their three children, Alex, Evangeline, and Daniel; his son, James F. Chaffee, Jr., and his wife Meghann of Hopatcong, NJ, and their two children, Sadie and Adalind; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy of dedication, bravery, and love will continue to inspire generations to come. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Tunnels to Towers or the Shriners in Jim's name.
Memorial Visitation from the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre St., Nutley, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 2 - 5pm. A Service will be conducted at 3:30pm.
Live Streaming Instructions
Log into YouTube online (youtube.com)
Search for our YouTube channel
Go to SW Brown & Son Funeral Home Channel
Search for James F. Chaffee under our videos.
Live stream will be from 2-5 pm Wednesday only while viewing is going on at the funeral home.
Recorded services will be available after 48 hours on the obituary page after services.
SWBrownandson.com obituary a few days after services.
From 1976 to 2004, Jim dedicated himself to service as a firefighter and eventually rose to the position of Safety Director of the Essex County Hospital Center Fire Department. His commitment to protecting others was unwavering, leaving an indelible mark on his community.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane (Brady) Chaffee and his sister, Marilyn Wixson. He is survived by his devoted wife, Laura (Zimmerman) Chaffee; a brother, Harold Chaffee, Jr., of Boca Raton, FL; his daughter, Suzanne Petrone, and her husband Michael of Scotch Plains, NJ, along with their three children, Alex, Evangeline, and Daniel; his son, James F. Chaffee, Jr., and his wife Meghann of Hopatcong, NJ, and their two children, Sadie and Adalind; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy of dedication, bravery, and love will continue to inspire generations to come. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Tunnels to Towers or the Shriners in Jim's name.
Memorial Visitation from the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre St., Nutley, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 2 - 5pm. A Service will be conducted at 3:30pm.
Live Streaming Instructions
Log into YouTube online (youtube.com)
Search for our YouTube channel
Go to SW Brown & Son Funeral Home Channel
Search for James F. Chaffee under our videos.
Live stream will be from 2-5 pm Wednesday only while viewing is going on at the funeral home.
Recorded services will be available after 48 hours on the obituary page after services.
SWBrownandson.com obituary a few days after services.