James Albert “Jim” Chase, of Auburn, was called home to heaven and welcomed into the arms of his Savior on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Jim was born in Kankakee, Illinois, on April 20, 1947, to Donald and Kathryn (Blissard) Chase—two proud first-time parents who went on to raise a much larger, loving family rich in tradition. He attended Kankakee High School, where he participated in the ROTC program and starred in the school’s musical production of Oklahoma. Jim later earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, where he became a brother of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
Jim’s career as a manager in the glass production industry took him from Champaign, Illinois, to Houston, Texas, and eventually to Auburn, New York. It was in Auburn that he met Debbie, his life’s partner—over a stale donut while working at Central New York Bottle. They married in 1980 and together built a life in the Finger Lakes, where they raised their family and where he served on the board of the Auburn YMCA, IMC, and Rotary. Their journey later took them to Gurnee, Illinois, and Festus, Missouri, where they gathered treasured friendships and memories before returning home to Auburn.
In retirement, Jim embraced life fully—traveling with his family, cheering on the Illinois Illini, St. Louis Cardinals, and Buffalo Bills, tending a beautiful garden, golfing with friends, and joyfully serving as “Papa” to his grandchildren.
Jim was a faithful member and Elder of Redeemer Lutheran Church, a beloved son, loyal brother, wonderful brother-in-law, devoted husband, and a father of unfailing love. He will always be remembered and loved by his wife, Debbie (Peters) Chase; his children, Michael (Mary) Chase, Mindy (Steve) Anderson, Adam (Lisa) Chase, and Andrea (Nate) Boulton; his grandchildren, Kelli Dionne, Sarah Cook, Noah, Ethan, and Levi Anderson, Lily and Odin Chase, and Gwyneth and Alys Boulton; five great-grandchildren; siblings Donna (Jack) Whittaker, Tom (Jane) Chase, and Bonnie (Bob) Rudolf; many nieces and nephews; and a large extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and now joins them in his heavenly home.
Friends and family are invited to call 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 17 at Brew Funeral Home, 48 South St., Auburn. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 18 in the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10 Prospect St., Auburn, with the Rev. Richard Pape officiating. Interment will be in the Soule Cemetery, town of Sennett. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10 Prospect St., Auburn, NY 13021 in memory of Jim Chase.
The family of Jim Chase would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. A special thank you to Jim’s sister-in-law, Susan Moloney, who has been a rock for the immediate family during this impossible time.
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