James Emory Chapman, Jr.

Dr. James Emory Chapman, Jr., 73, of Concord, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025 at his home, in the arms of his loving wife and surrounded by his caring family and dear friends. 

A graveside service will be held at 9 a.m. on July 18th, 2025 at the VA National Cemetery in Salisbury, 501 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144, with full military honors by the U.S. Army Funeral Honors Team. 

Born on November 12, 1951, Emory was the son of the late Jean Gaston Chapman and James Emory Chapman, Sr. Raised in Atlanta, he graduated from Therrell High School and went on to attend the University of Nevada–Reno on a full boxing scholarship. Driven by a passion for medicine and service, he earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia, completed his residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, and was selected for a prestigious sports medicine fellowship at West Point. 

Following his time at West Point, Emory continued his service to our country as a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon in the US Army. His military career spanned various locations, including Landstuhl Germany, Fort Meade, Honduras, Desert Storm, and the Presidio in San Francisco (1984-1994). During his tenure at the Presidio, he completed a second fellowship in arthroscopic surgery, trained medical residents, and met the love of his life Mary Busacca Chapman. Throughout his service in the military, Emory was awarded numerous military honors including: Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three bronze stars, and Kuwait Liberation Medal. Emory completed a second fellowship in arthroscopic surgery at Presbyterian Hospital in San Francisco under Eugene M. Wolf, M.D. 

Following his military service, Emory entered civilian life and worked as an orthopaedic surgeon in private practice in Atlanta Georgia, Orlando Florida, and Gastonia North Carolina (1994-2008). He later joined the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center, where he was appointed Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery (2008-2020). He was honored to give back to his country and provide medical care to fellow veterans. His academic appointments include Associate Clinical Professor at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Affiliated Clinical Professor of Orthopaedics at Wake Forest School of Medicine, where he trained medical residents. Emory and his family were proud of the positive feedback he received as a great teacher and mentor. Emory was also an active member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) starting in 1994. Additionally, Emory served on several boards, served as chairman of the Orthopaedic Learning Center Committee, and developed many training programs for arthroscopic surgery. Emory also served in an academic capacity as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery and presented at numerous scientific meetings. 

Emory had an illustrious amateur boxing career. In 1973, he won the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Heavyweight Championship. In 1974 and 1975, Emory won the Golden Gloves Heavyweight Championship. Emory also had the privilege of competing against Larry Holmes in the 1972 Olympic trials, where he narrowly lost in a draw. Emory was teammates with Sugar Ray Leonard on the USA national team, where he fought internationally. In 2008, Emory was inducted into the Georgia Boxing Association Hall of Fame. 

Emory’s determination and success in boxing carried over into other parts of his life. He valued fitness and rarely missed a day at the gym. He loved working out at the local YMCA where he had many friends. He maintained his workout regimen despite many challenges including his six year struggle with ALS. He taught us not only the value of maintaining good fitness, but also the importance of determination and mental fortitude. Emory loved going to the White Water Center, hiking, and riding his bike. He was always up for an adventure and shared his active lifestyle with his family, which included other sports such as skiing and scuba diving. 

As well, Emory had a lifelong passion for learning and technology. He was delighted to have one of the first Apple computers and stayed up to date on new developments. He had a passion for photography and video editing. These skills aided in his medical career and led to his expertise in arthroscopic surgery as technology changed and helped him in designing medical presentations. 

Those who knew Emory will remember him for his kindness, patience, relaxed demeanor, and fun sense of humor. Even after retiring, patients would often stop him to say they missed seeing him around the VA and they wished he was still practicing. He always looked for the best in people and encouraged them to reach their full potential. 

Emory was a loving husband and father and wanted the best for his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Mary Busacca Chapman; sons, James Emory Chapman, III of Los Angeles, Christopher Paul Chapman of Concord; sisters, Candace Chapman (Gina Waters) of Atlanta, Joyce Auskelis and husband, John of Atlanta; brother, Greg Chapman (Annie Speegle) of Nevada City, CA; in-laws, his mother-in-law Beverly Busacca, brother and sister-in-laws Mark Busacca, Brian Busacca and wife Anne, Michelle Kelly and husband, John, Bruce Busacca and wife, Molly, all of California; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the ALS United NC or Paralyzed Veterans of America—organizations that meant a great deal to Emory and his family. 

Wilkinson Funeral Home is honored to assist the Chapman family.