James Chumbley

James Lee Chumbley, age 58, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021.

Jim was born on March 18, 1963. He was a graduate of Zion Benton High School, where he played football and baseball.

Jim leaves behind his best friend of 31 years, his beloved wife, Michelle (Box). He was the father of Christina (Jesse) Barajas, Justin (Jessica) Chumbley, and Amanda (Jesse) Gass. He was also known as Grandpa Bus, and being a grandpa took a front seat to his other roles in life as a mechanic, a truck driver, a hockey coach, and a bar owner. Jim was the son of Kenneth and Betty Chumbley, brother of KC (Sue) Chumbley, Eugene (Jennifer) Chumbley, and Kenny (Brandice) Chumbley. Left with decades of special memories are, Leslie Chumbley and Darlene Newman.

From 2013 to 2021, Jim and Michelle owned and operated Hawg Heaven, the Biggest Little Bar in Salem Wisconsin. People from near and far came for a cold beer, delicious hot pizza, to listen to live bands, and to look at each other’s motorcycles. Jim was a friend to everyone, and everyone was a friend to Jim. His selfless, caring, and quiet manner offered those who met him instant friendship, light, and comfort. Jim shared his open ears and open heart with his family, friends, co-workers, patrons of his bar, and the wider motorcycling community.

With his quiet nature, Jim would want us to cultivate kindness and help others. He was a generous and frequent contributor to Coats for Kids and to the Lake County Honor Flight. He will be remembered fondly for his commitment to supporting veterans, arising at 3:30am to join a ride in freezing cold weather. We ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to either or both of these charities would be appreciated. Www.lakecountyhonorflight.org or, contact your local Salvation Army to donate to Coats for Kids.

Many of you hold fond memories close—large and small—of the ways Jim touched your life. Perhaps Jim inspired you to buy a Harley or helped you rediscover your passion for riding. Perhaps he helped fix your bike or fixed your fence. Perhaps he lent an ear and listened quietly to your troubles. Whether you met Jim once or saw him once a day, you’ll certainly remember his blue green eyes and know that he was truly one of a kind. Let us all remember how much his kindness and generosity nourished us and guided us. Remember those eyes. Remember his kind smile. Remember the smell of the firewood from his wood burning stove on his leather jacket. Feel his kindness with just his presence. And keep those pizzas coming.