James "Jim" Edwin Chance

Surrounded by the love of his family, James Edwin Chance peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 30, 2026, at his home in Topeka, Kansas. Jim lived a life marked by faith, service, integrity, and love for others.

Born on September 9, 1937, in Topeka, Kansas, Jim was the son of Ralph and Elsie Chance (Bailey). He shared a loving marriage with his wife, Edna, and together they built a family that was the joy of his life. He is survived by his wife, Edna, and their three children: James Chance Jr. (Karen), John Chance (Christie), and Jackie Piel (Gary), all of Topeka; seven grandchildren, Devin, Bailey, Sydni, Bradley, Dalton, Bethany, and Camryn; three great-grandchildren, Niles, Jade, and Ezra; as well as three sisters, Maylene, Linda, and Brenda.

As a young man, Jim was active in 4-H and FFA, developing the strong work ethic and servant's heart that would characterize his entire life. He graduated from Seaman High School in 1955 and proudly served his country in the Army National Guard, including active duty at Fort Riley, Kansas, with the 496th Ordnance Company. He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for ten years before spending the remainder of his career helping others through insurance and investments with Penn Mutual, Ohio National, SBG, and John Deere Life, retiring in 2002.

Jim's greatest passion was his faith in Christ. He faithfully served the Lord through many ministries, including teaching third-grade boys in Sunday school, leading children's programs, singing in the church choir, and serving as a deacon at Knollwood Baptist Church. He later continued his service as a deacon at Westridge Baptist Church and Topeka Bible Church. Jim and Edna were members of the Koinonia Sunday School class for the past twenty-one years. His steady faith, humble leadership, and caring spirit touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Family was one of Jim's greatest blessings. He treasured time spent with Edna, his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Some of his happiest memories were made on family trips to Red River, New Mexico, with his brothers, sisters, and their spouses: Bob and Lee Chance; Darrel and Jeaneane Chance; Maylene and Harold Williams; Linda and Jim Davis; and Brenda and Tim Davis. Jim and Edna also enjoyed wintering in Mission, Texas, for ten years during their retirement years.

Though we grieve his absence, we rejoice in the assurance of his eternal home in Heaven. Jim's life was a testimony to God's faithfulness, and his example of love, kindness, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on June 12, 2026, at Topeka Bible Church, 1101 Mulvane Street, Topeka, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Hank Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Bible Church Youth Program or the Topeka Rescue Mission.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7