Jim Chamberlain
1931 - 2022Wallace James “Jim” Chamberlain, 91 eldest son of Wallace M. and Marjorie (Matthews) Chamberlain, passed away on November 29, 2022 in Cheboygan, Michigan at the Hospice House of the Straits.
Jim had resided in Cheboygan since 1995 after his first retirement. Chamberlain is survived by his wife, Gilberte Ciesar Chamberlain, his daughter Terri J (Steven). Feinberg, granddaughter Samantha (Patrick), great grandson, Jaden, and grandson Zachary, son William W. Chamberlain (Nicole), granddaughter Alexandra. Predeceased by his son Stephen C. Chamberlain, (Wendi) grandchildren Spencer, Harrison, and Calvin. Sister-in-law Gretchen, widow of brother, Philip, Sister in law Barbara Ciesar (Jim) nieces and nephew.
Jim graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1949 where he lettered on the swim team, the football team, and the track team, competed on the State of Michigan Championship swim team and the State of Michigan Championship track team. He ran the fastest 100-yard dash in the City of Grand Rapids in 1949. He enrolled in Duke University graduating in 1954 with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his years at Duke, Jim was President of the Duke Varsity Club and Secretary of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon his graduation, he received a commission in the United States Air Force and entered Pilot Training at Bryan Air Base, Texas where he received his wings in January, 1955. He then advanced to becoming an Instructor Pilot and was honorably discharged in 1957. After being discharged from the Air Force he was hired as Engineer of Kent Fabrics Corporation in Grand Rapids and later became President and Owner of Gill Manufacturing Corporation, successor company of Kent Fabrics Corporation. Chamberlain expanded Gill Manufacturing to include three plants employing over 700 people. He served as President and Chairman of the American Apparel Manufacturers Association 1975-77. His career included being a designer and manufacturer of sporting clothing and equipment. While living in Elkhart Indiana, Jim organized and developed Champion Manufacturing Corporation specializing in the manufacturing of medical chairs. In 1995 Jim moved to their summer property at Point Nipigon Resort Club, Cheboygan. Becoming restless after two weeks, he and Gill founded the Mackinaw Trolley Company. After the sale of the trolley company he was active in the Cheboygan Economic Development Group, specifically with the Port of Cheboygan, of which he was an Officer and Director. Being an avid sportsman, he enjoyed sailing, tennis, golf, skiing, and hunting. On his 75th birthday, he went sky diving. In 1996, he climbed to the top lights of the tower of the Mackinac Bridge.
A Memorial Brunch will be held in his honor on the Chamberlain property in Point Nipigon July of 2023.
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