Early Years
|
James Birdsall Chappell Jim Chappell, one of the most well-known personalities in the Kansas City area, lived in Keokuk, Iowa, from his birth in 1942 until he went to college at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. At Drury he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree as an art major. Jim's parents were Charles Birdsall Chappell and Mary Pauline Simpson Chappell. His only sibling was his older brother, Charles Simpson Chappell.
Jim combined his knack for building long-lasting relationships with building a business – Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum in North Kansas City, Missouri. Chappell's has been the “go-to” place for sports and political personalities from all over the region – and beyond – for decades. Celebrated as one of the best sports bars in the country in numerous national publications and also picked by the newspaper, USA Today, as “the number one place in the country to watch the Super Bowl”, the restaurant has a welcoming bar, great food and a unique visual appeal with over a thousand football helmets covering the spacious ceiling and framed autographed photos and other memorabilia decorating the walls. The other extra ingredient for a fulfilling customer experience at Chappell's was, almost always, the opportunity to have an enlightening and pleasant interaction with the owner, Jim Chappell, who seemed to be omnipresent at lunch and dinner hours. Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum has achieved national acclaim as well as an exceptional local reputation. It has received coverage in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, the Chicago Tribune and USA Today was the repeated subject of coverage in countless newspaper and magazine articles as well as radio and television. In 2012 Jim Chappell co-authored a captivating book “Conversations at Chappell's” and was featured in a biographical documentary produced by the KC Chiefs network about his relationship with many Kansas City Chiefs' greats. While acknowledging the fame and success he has achieved, Jim gives credit to his wife of 50 plus years, Gina, their two daughters and five grandchildren. He says, “The only reason I have been successful is because of Gina and our family.” He gives credit also to the values shaped by his parents who gave him a great life growing up. In addition to raising a family and running a business, Jim was involved in countless community and civic activities: Member and then Chairman of the Kansas City Planning Commission; Commissioner of the Kansas City Port Authority; Chairman of the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners. Since 1985, he has been on the Board of Directors of the First Bank of Missouri (now Security Bank of Kansas City) and, for 25 of those years, he served as Chairman of the Board. During this time, he also served on the Board of Directors of the Valley View Holding Company. Early in his career he made an unsuccessful attempt to be elected as a Missouri State Senator, with the support and endorsement of Kit Bond, a close personal friend and political advisor, who was a former Missouri Governor at that time and who eventually became a long-time U.S. Senator for Missouri. Jim Chappell's family history offers examples of success that set a high standard. Charles Chappell was a prominent realtor and historian, known throughout the state of Iowa. At his death, he was listed as a Notable Iowan in the Annals of Iowa. He was the owner of the Iowa Land Company, a successful real-estate brokerage, appraising and insurance business. He died unexpectedly at the age of 54, the same year Jim was to be enrolled as a Freshman at Drury University. According to one commentary, “(Charles) had a distinct and stimulating personality, an inquiring mind and was particularly well-read and informed with a strong interest in history.” These are attributes that friends of Jim would say apply to Jim as well. Jim's mother, Pauline, attended the University of Kansas City, the Cranston School of Music and studied ballet at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music. She earned a certificate for excellence in creative writing from Penn Valley Community College. She had high expectations and a determination for Jim to graduate from college, in spite of the personal setback of losing his father at a critical time in his life. Celebrities made sure they stopped by Chappell's when they were in Kansas City. The list of those included Dave Winfield, Marcus Allen, artist LeRoy Neiman, Warren Buffett and Vince Gill. Regulars included Hank Stram, Len Dawson, Hank Bauer, Joe Montana and George Brett. It was also a welcome hangout for federal judges, federal appellate judges, a United States Attorney General, United States Senators, Governors and countless federal and state representatives, and maybe, a few mobsters. The list of accolades and memberships associated with Jim Chappell include: member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Kansas City Police Retirement Board, graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy, named by the Kansas City Star as one of the “25 People Who Make Kansas City a Better Sports Town.” Jim's personal appeal and credentials have been described in a variety of ways: successful entrepreneur; community leader; doting husband of Gina; father of two daughters and proud grandfather of five; funny, warm and charming; world traveler – traveling to over 60 countries and 50 states; and author. The typical experience when a customer walked through the door was to see this tall, good-looking gentleman rise from his seat at the front of the bar and offer his wide smile and recognize an old friend. It seems that everyone knows Jim and Jim knows everyone. You could usually find him walking around, giving new and old friends tours of the place or going from table to table telling patrons a quick story of the times hanging on the walls around them. One comment was, “It would be like the President taking you on a tour of the White House or Elvis taking you on a tour of Graceland.” The memorabilia on the walls and hanging from the ceiling were diverse, notable and interesting. Visitors could see Jon Wooden's 1930-31 Purdue All-Indiana trophy, Michael Jordan's autographed Olympic jersey, the boxing gloves Sylvester Stallone wore in “Rocky”, and home plate from Municipal Stadium signed by the 1955 Kansas City Athletics and several Monarchs. Chappell's was one of those places where you could eat a hundred times and be fascinated by a new photograph or trinket with each visit. It might be Tom Watson's putter or the signed photographs of baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige posing in Monarch's uniforms. One could say that football helmets from every college and professional team known to mankind were hanging from the ceiling. Jim could take you directly to almost any of those helmets you might ask about and tell you a story about the team it represents. Along the way, Chappell the man has become somewhat of a celebrity. Too many times to count, he's been asked to tell someone “Happy Birthday” on a videotape or to sign Styrofoam baseballs that he gives to kids (the adults are the ones wanting the autograph). A few months ago, a man came into Chappell's and asked Jim to write a note to the man's father – the Chappell family's mailman back in Keokuk, who had cancer. “When a guy comes in and asks you to write a note to his dying dad that makes you feel good.” Chappell says softly, “I loved doing those things because it makes them feel special” For any self-respecting sports fan in Kansas City, the feeling is mutual. Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Chappell was enshrined into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2013. With his new place in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Chappell's legacy is now sealed in sports history. For visitors to his restaurant and those who meet him, the impression of the man himself is to be just as enduring. Timeline of Jim Chappell's Career:
FUN FACTS Governor Kay Orr of the great State of Nebraska on November 11, 1988, nominated and appointed Jim Chappell an admiral in the Royal Navy of Nebraska. This prestigious award was presented with the full knowledge that Nebraska is a landlocked state. Governor Wallace G. Wilkinson, governor of the great State of Kentucky, commissioned James B. Chappell a Kentucky Colonel on the 15th day of July in the year 1988. This is the highest honor awarded by the State of Kentucky. The colonels are Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world. James B. Chappell has been appointed the title of Laird. Laird is a Scottish land owner and said Laird Chappell owns one foot of land within the grounds of Dunans Castle, Scotland. Therefore, as a Scottish land owner, he is entitled to the use of the title, Laird of Dunans. Jim Chappell and billionaire Howard Hughes were both baptized at St. John's Episcopal Church in Keokuk, Iowa, approximately 35 years apart. Jim went on to become an altar boy at the church; Howard did not! Jim remains the longest serving member of the clay county election board, having served under four governors, both democrats and republicans. Under two of the governors, Jim was chairman of the board. KEOKUK YMCA STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS In 1960, the Iowa State YMCA recognized there were some good basketball players who did not play for their respective high schools. Because of this, they organized a YMCA state basketball tournament. Keokuk entered the tournament with Ronnie Hinman, Johnny Sammons, Richard Bell, Gary McLaughlin and Jim Chappell as their starting lineup. The first game was against Burlington, which had two all-state caliber players who were suspended from their high school team. We beat them in overtime and went on to win the rest of the games to become the YMCA State Champions. The trophy was displayed at the Keokuk YMCA for many years. ANNALS OF IOWA
Iowa State Department of History and Archives NOTABLE IOWANS Charles Birdsall Chappell, prominent realtor and historian, known throughout the state, died at his home in Keokuk July 12, 1960; born at Independence, Iowa September 7, 1905, the son of Jesse McKee Chappell and Mary Birdsall Chappell; attended Kansas City University from 1924 to 1926 and graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism in 1930; was a newspaper reporter in Phoenix and Kansas City for three years, became a partner of the Eastern Land Company in 1933 and came to Keokuk in 1939 as owner and operator of the Iowa Land Company; developed and president of Midland Homes, Inc., a successful real estate brokerage, appraising and insurance business; served as an appraiser for the Veterans Administration, director of National Association of Real Estate Boards, past president of the Iowa Real Estate Association, director of the Farm Brokers Institute of Iowa, and was secretary of the Certified Appraisers of America, member of the Senior Residential Appraisers, and Lee County inheritance tax appraiser; listed in A.N. Marquis Who's Who of the Midwest, which profiled the most influential men and women in America's heartland. He was awarded the National Omega Tau Rho Medallion for his exemplary dedication and service to the real estate industry. He had a distinct and stimulating personality, an inquiring mind and was particularly well-read and informed with a strong interest in history; provided helpful knowledge and leadership in many state and local historical activities as a founder and past president of the Iowa Society for the Preservation of Historic Landmarks, a director, charter member and first vice president of the Lee County Historical Society and chairman of the Civil War Centennial committee for the 1960 Iowa State Fair, held membership in the Elks, Odd Fellows and St. John's Episcopal Church; survived by his wife, and two sons, Charles Simpson Chappell and James Birdsall Chappell. |
Jim Chappell’s Family Home
216 High Street, Keokuk, Iowa
The concepts that shaped the remarkable house at 216 High Street which the Chappell family called home from 1942 to 1963 came from engineer and architect John H. Cole who designed and built the house for his own residence in the 1880s. At the time it was built it was one of the finest in the city. The Cole family lived in the house for 53 years until it was purchased by Jim’s father, Charles B. Chappell, in 1942.
In addition to being an engineer and an architect Mr. Cole and his brother owned and operated a successful stove business. Mr. Cole had also served as superintendent of the Carnegie Bridge which spanned the Mississippi River at Keokuk. The neighborhood Mr. Cole chose was one and a half blocks from the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
In 1963, three years after Mr. Chappell’s death, Jim, his mother and his brother decided to sell the house. Both Jim and his brother were in college at the time and Mrs. Chappell decided the house was too much for her. The next owners kept the house for only 10 years. By the mid-1970s the economy in Keokuk was in steep decline and many fine old homes fell into disrepair, including the one at 216 High Street, and were demolished.
The three-story house at 216 High Street was a large brick house with stained brown shingles and beautiful decorative gray wood trim. It had five magnificent fireplaces. The interior was ornately decorated with beautiful oak throughout. All the doors and windows had detailed oak carvings. The designed doors all had glass, brass or wooden doorknobs and pearl button light switches.
Inside the front door was a reception area that contained a welcoming fireplace, a large chandelier and a comfortable alcove with a hall seat. The ceiling was beautifully decorated with wood that was planked in a square pattern.
The library was the most impressive room in the house. It had a large, curved bay window with beautiful stained glass windows and two side windows. An oriental carpet covered the wood floor. The mahogany fireplace was detailed with intricate carvings, a small shelf and a beveled mirror. A marble button with a decorative wooden holder was pushed to call for service. All the walls had built-in wooden bookshelves that housed over 2,500 books.
Two large elegant sliding doors with detailed carved oak led into the dining room. The dining room was stunning with a built-in china cabinet and fireplace. The china cabinet held the family’s Haviland china from France that was passed down for two generations. There was a large mahogany antique table with six chairs and Jim’s mother’s piano was in the corner.
A very large living room also had a fireplace, a stained glass bay window, a wood floor and an oriental carpet.
Four bedrooms were upstairs on the second floor, each with a large walk-in closet. Typical of the time for fine houses, one bathroom served the entire second floor. The Master bedroom had a fireplace, a balcony and bookcases filled with books. There was a small alcove with a chair and lamp for reading.
The kitchen was ordinary for the time. It contained a pantry room and service stairs, referred to as “backstairs”. The stairs led to a bedroom upstairs where the domestic help stayed.
There was a third floor that had two bedrooms, but was mostly used for storage. It had a walk-out door to a roof patio which was enjoyed on hot summer evenings.
The house is listed in a book Tales of Early Keokuk Homes by historian Raymond, E. Garrison.
About the owners of 216 High Street, Keokuk, Iowa:
The Cole and Chappell families were both descended from Revolutionary ancestry. An ancestor of John Cole was Col. Phillip Cole. He commanded the 4th Battalion of Northumberland County, a Pennsylvania regiment which was in the battle at Trenton, NJ.
James Birdsall Chappell is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (S.A.R.) and daughter Michelle Ann Chappell Pato is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.)
Excerpts from the obituary of Mrs. John H. Cole:
Mrs. Leulia Warner Cole was born July 29, 1854 in Meshoppen, PA. She was married on December 23, 1873 in Emporium, PA to John H. Cole. Shortly afterward they moved to Keokuk. They had three daughters: Emma L, Ora Belle, and Iva Valentine. Two of the daughters were graduates of the University of Chicago.
Excerpts from the obituary of Mrs. Charles B Chappell:
Mrs. Pauline Simpson Chappell was born on May 12, 1901 in Kansas City, KS. She was married on March 20, 1940 in Lawrence, KS to Charles B. Chappell. Shortly afterward they moved to Keokuk, IA. She and Charles had two sons, Charles Simpson Chappell and James Birdsall Chappell. She attended the University of Kansas City and the Cranston School of Music and studied ballet at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music.
Jim's mom Pauline Simpson Chappell's grandfather, Lt. Andrew H. Simpson, was an officer in the Civil War. He commanded the 93rd US Infantry, which were a colored troop. After the war, he became a well-known lawyer and, as member of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R). This was a fraternal organization of officers who served in the Civil War. As an organization, one of its objectives was supporting voting rights for black veterans.
Pauline's nephew, Jim cousin Joseph E. Simpson, Jr., served in World War II as a major and, ironically commanded the colored 847 Engineer Aviation Battalion. He said he was very proud of his command but, more importantly, he was proud of his troops and their service. President Harry Truman ended segregation in the US Military in 1948
The Chappell Summer Cottage
Jim spent many of the finest days of his youth at the family's summer cottage. Overlooking the Mississippi river thirty yards away, the cottage was the centerpiece of twenty acres of fun. Jim and his brother swam and fished in the river. They had two horses and a pet mule named Thunder. There was a shelter barn for the animals, who were stored off-site in the winter. On either side of the cottage was a creek, and every corner of the grounds told of a sense of mystery and excitement.
The visitor was hit by a powerful splash of color. The cottage was nestled amid a gorgeous array of day-lilies, irises, honeysuckle, forsythia, rose of Sharon, hibiscus, lilac, and morning-glory. Blues rubbed shoulders with yellows, while reds and oranges and purples fanned out in a display studded with bursts of opaline. Jim never tired of reveling in the splendor, and it is clear that his artistic sensibility grew and took shape in the experience.
Jim's father had a treehouse built for the boys from which they could survey the wonders, as well as a log cabin that came in handy when they played cowboys and Indians. And he also had a barbecue pit built, where the family prepared delicious ribs. Surrounding the cottage were three porches, one screened-in and two outside with benches facing the Mississippi river. One room featured the three double beds. Jim has fond memories of the classic furniture, the large round oak table in the kitchen, the icebox with its blocks of ice, the decorative fireplace, and the radio--no television-- that brought the St. Louis Cardinals to the cottage.
Every variety of plant life could be found at the cottage. The vegetable gardens supplied their bounty, including watermelons that the family kept cool in a gunny sack down in the well. In every direction away from the river loomed a thick wood, which included maple trees that were tapped for syrup, Christmas trees that could be cut down for the Yuletide celebration at the family home, and a clearing with a large tree that had a tire attached for a swing. Deep in the wood was a clearing where Jim remembers a tree limb that was home to a tiny swallow. The cottage was only four miles from town, but it seemed like it was hundreds of miles away in a world of its own. Like Thoreau at Walden Pond, Jim was able to find an escape as well as the joy of nature on the outskirts of the city.
The Fourth of July was a highlight of life at the cottage. The family celebrated with cases of pop and a wide variety of sweets and desserts. The boys set off firecrackers during the day, while father arranged a powerful display of fireworks at night. The colors lighting up the sky would match the gorgeous palette supplied by nature in the flowers and shrubs below.
Another highlight was the hunt for a treasure chest that had been carefully prepared by Jim's father. The adventure of piecing together maps and clues and directions created a magic moment that one could look forward to all year. The hunt expresses the heart of the cottage and its captivating mystery. All around you was something to be explored, experiences to be savored, and memories to be treasured. Wherever he has gone later in life, Jim has enjoyed the inspiration of the cottage.
Jim spent many of the finest days of his youth at the family's summer cottage. Overlooking the Mississippi river thirty yards away, the cottage was the centerpiece of twenty acres of fun. Jim and his brother swam and fished in the river. They had two horses and a pet mule named Thunder. There was a shelter barn for the animals, who were stored off-site in the winter. On either side of the cottage was a creek, and every corner of the grounds told of a sense of mystery and excitement.
The visitor was hit by a powerful splash of color. The cottage was nestled amid a gorgeous array of day-lilies, irises, honeysuckle, forsythia, rose of Sharon, hibiscus, lilac, and morning-glory. Blues rubbed shoulders with yellows, while reds and oranges and purples fanned out in a display studded with bursts of opaline. Jim never tired of reveling in the splendor, and it is clear that his artistic sensibility grew and took shape in the experience.
Jim's father had a treehouse built for the boys from which they could survey the wonders, as well as a log cabin that came in handy when they played cowboys and Indians. And he also had a barbecue pit built, where the family prepared delicious ribs. Surrounding the cottage were three porches, one screened-in and two outside with benches facing the Mississippi river. One room featured the three double beds. Jim has fond memories of the classic furniture, the large round oak table in the kitchen, the icebox with its blocks of ice, the decorative fireplace, and the radio--no television-- that brought the St. Louis Cardinals to the cottage.
Every variety of plant life could be found at the cottage. The vegetable gardens supplied their bounty, including watermelons that the family kept cool in a gunny sack down in the well. In every direction away from the river loomed a thick wood, which included maple trees that were tapped for syrup, Christmas trees that could be cut down for the Yuletide celebration at the family home, and a clearing with a large tree that had a tire attached for a swing. Deep in the wood was a clearing where Jim remembers a tree limb that was home to a tiny swallow. The cottage was only four miles from town, but it seemed like it was hundreds of miles away in a world of its own. Like Thoreau at Walden Pond, Jim was able to find an escape as well as the joy of nature on the outskirts of the city.
The Fourth of July was a highlight of life at the cottage. The family celebrated with cases of pop and a wide variety of sweets and desserts. The boys set off firecrackers during the day, while father arranged a powerful display of fireworks at night. The colors lighting up the sky would match the gorgeous palette supplied by nature in the flowers and shrubs below.
Another highlight was the hunt for a treasure chest that had been carefully prepared by Jim's father. The adventure of piecing together maps and clues and directions created a magic moment that one could look forward to all year. The hunt expresses the heart of the cottage and its captivating mystery. All around you was something to be explored, experiences to be savored, and memories to be treasured. Wherever he has gone later in life, Jim has enjoyed the inspiration of the cottage.
The Chappell-Swedenburg House
In Ashland, Oregon, also known for hosting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, stands the Chappell-Swedenburg house, one of the most celebrated homes in the region. It was built in the early years of the twentieth century for Jim's ancestor Charles Church Chappell. Charles C. Chappell had been born in Jacksonville, Illinois and moved east for a successful career as a stockbroker in New York City, where he lived in a mansion on Fifth Avenue. In 1904, he moved his family to Ashland, a town he remembered from his early travels. Wherever he lived, he was surrounded by his collection of Oriental art as well as antiques he had acquired on his European voyages. The remarkable house in Ashland was described by family friend Grace Miriam Flint in the Ashland Daily Tidings of January 29, 1966. She writes:
The editor, Sir:
"Edgar A. Guest said, "It takes a heap of living in a house to make it a home." When I looked at the picture of the beautiful spacious old home on Siskiyou Boulevard, known as the Chappell-Swedenburg home, in tonight's paper and though of the years living that had been done in that home, I was filled with sorrow and anger to learn that it may no longer be a "home." I grew up on Mountain Avenue. I was a little girl at the time that house was erected by Charley Chappell at the turn of the century. Mr. Chappell, his young wife Lucy, and their three little daughters, Helen, Charlotte and Ruth, came here from New York City to reside in Ashland and make it their permanent home.
Mr. Chappell has been a wealthy stockbroker in New York City, but when the market panicked, Mr. Chappell sold his mansion on 5th Avenue and brought all its elegant furnishings to Ashland to live. Years before when a young man, he had traveled in the west and had been in Ashland and had fallen in love with it. Now he felt he no longer cared to live in the city and desired to rear his family in a small community in the West. When they came here he bought a small home to live in for awhile. It still stands almost as I remember it on the intersecting corner of the boulevard, Iowa St. and Morse St.
Mr. Chappell was a keen businessman and proceeded to purchase property here. He purchased the land where the house now stands, and orchard, then a small farm on one corner of which the high school now stands. The land on which most of the college now stands and other pieces of property became valuable. When he built his beautiful home in 1903 and 1904 in the middle of an apple and pear orchard, the townspeople thought it was folly to build such an expensive home in the middle of the orchard, way out on the edge of town. But he wanted a home worthy of his family and the exquisite furnishings that would go into it. He had traveled all over the world when young and had brought home beautiful and rare things for his home. He was still a bachelor then. We were all poor people in Ashland then, mostly railroad people, merchants and school teachers, which my father was, and it was hard to comprehend why anyone would spend such an exorbitant amount on a house or even had that much to spend.
Only the finest of materials went into this house and he practically watched every nail that was driven in each board. I can still see him standing up on the roof when the bricklayers were building the huge chimney. My father was so worried he would lise his balance and fall. Finally all the precious treasures were placed in this house. The family moved in and the house made the start of becoming a home. It was like being in Fairyland to wander through this house. Helen and I had become friends and playmates so I was in and out at all times whenever I wished. This my introduction to beautiful furnishings and antiques, fine Haviland China and crystal, gorgeous Persian and Oriental rugs and many other treasures too numerous to mention.
He also erected a barn as beautiful as the house was, fine box stalls and harness rooms; things no one here had ever seen in a barn. He being reared on a farm in New York state at Strawberry Point, if I remember correctly, longed to have livestock around him and have his children learn to love them too. They had a driving horse called Barney, a darling fat little Shetland pony called Belle, and the cutest little pony cart and a fat old white short-haired dog called Duke, even a Jersey cow for a short while. Those days were full of excitement and fun. But Mr. Chappell was not to enjoy his home and this new life with his family to whom he was so devoted for long. For suddenly one hot summer day in 1905, his heart worn out from the stress of the long move and the strength expended on his home, just gave up and ceased to beat anymore, and his beloved family left alone to live with his memory and the lovely home had built for them. The girls grew up in this, but times were not easy for the lovely mother. She sold the piece of land where the high school now stands to the school board and piece by piece other property. Many treasures were sold from the home to maintain a home for her girls.
Through all these trying years, Dr. Swedenburg was their family doctor and beloved friend. When Mrs. Chappell, who was then Mrs. George Wilson, found it was too much for her to maintain such a large home, disposed of it to Dr. Swedenburg and she moved to San Francisco. Dr. Swedenburg had purchased this house to be a permanent home fir his family and he and Mrs. Swedenburg also filled it with many treasures. His widow at the time of her death recently had specified and wished it still to be a home for her daughter, who was left. But such was not to be. It seems a state or college can move in and condemn a house that has had a "Heap of Living in it" and is now a "home" so that the loved ones who are now entitled to it, can no longer claim it as such. They call it progress, but I call it heartbreak and cruelty."
Sincerely,
Grace Milam Flint
Ashland
This letter was one of the many letters of protest to save the house from demolishing it. As a result the house was saved and put on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Charles C. Chappell's daughter Charlotte befriended Jim's mother Pauline, and Jim can remember her visiting the family home in Keokuk. Having grown up in the remarkable Ashland house, her visits to the carefully furnished and lovingly kept home at 216 High Street must have kept alive for Charlotte the Chappell family tradition of gracious living. The Chappell-Swedenburg house does indeed now stand on the grounds of Southern Oregon University, but it has been carefully preserved and renovated. In 1982, through the efforts of Jim's brother Charles S. Chappell and the Southern Oregon Historical Society, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now a jewel of the campus, it hosts special receptions, and continues to be a source of inspiration and wonder for those privileged to visit it.
In Ashland, Oregon, also known for hosting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, stands the Chappell-Swedenburg house, one of the most celebrated homes in the region. It was built in the early years of the twentieth century for Jim's ancestor Charles Church Chappell. Charles C. Chappell had been born in Jacksonville, Illinois and moved east for a successful career as a stockbroker in New York City, where he lived in a mansion on Fifth Avenue. In 1904, he moved his family to Ashland, a town he remembered from his early travels. Wherever he lived, he was surrounded by his collection of Oriental art as well as antiques he had acquired on his European voyages. The remarkable house in Ashland was described by family friend Grace Miriam Flint in the Ashland Daily Tidings of January 29, 1966. She writes:
The editor, Sir:
"Edgar A. Guest said, "It takes a heap of living in a house to make it a home." When I looked at the picture of the beautiful spacious old home on Siskiyou Boulevard, known as the Chappell-Swedenburg home, in tonight's paper and though of the years living that had been done in that home, I was filled with sorrow and anger to learn that it may no longer be a "home." I grew up on Mountain Avenue. I was a little girl at the time that house was erected by Charley Chappell at the turn of the century. Mr. Chappell, his young wife Lucy, and their three little daughters, Helen, Charlotte and Ruth, came here from New York City to reside in Ashland and make it their permanent home.
Mr. Chappell has been a wealthy stockbroker in New York City, but when the market panicked, Mr. Chappell sold his mansion on 5th Avenue and brought all its elegant furnishings to Ashland to live. Years before when a young man, he had traveled in the west and had been in Ashland and had fallen in love with it. Now he felt he no longer cared to live in the city and desired to rear his family in a small community in the West. When they came here he bought a small home to live in for awhile. It still stands almost as I remember it on the intersecting corner of the boulevard, Iowa St. and Morse St.
Mr. Chappell was a keen businessman and proceeded to purchase property here. He purchased the land where the house now stands, and orchard, then a small farm on one corner of which the high school now stands. The land on which most of the college now stands and other pieces of property became valuable. When he built his beautiful home in 1903 and 1904 in the middle of an apple and pear orchard, the townspeople thought it was folly to build such an expensive home in the middle of the orchard, way out on the edge of town. But he wanted a home worthy of his family and the exquisite furnishings that would go into it. He had traveled all over the world when young and had brought home beautiful and rare things for his home. He was still a bachelor then. We were all poor people in Ashland then, mostly railroad people, merchants and school teachers, which my father was, and it was hard to comprehend why anyone would spend such an exorbitant amount on a house or even had that much to spend.
Only the finest of materials went into this house and he practically watched every nail that was driven in each board. I can still see him standing up on the roof when the bricklayers were building the huge chimney. My father was so worried he would lise his balance and fall. Finally all the precious treasures were placed in this house. The family moved in and the house made the start of becoming a home. It was like being in Fairyland to wander through this house. Helen and I had become friends and playmates so I was in and out at all times whenever I wished. This my introduction to beautiful furnishings and antiques, fine Haviland China and crystal, gorgeous Persian and Oriental rugs and many other treasures too numerous to mention.
He also erected a barn as beautiful as the house was, fine box stalls and harness rooms; things no one here had ever seen in a barn. He being reared on a farm in New York state at Strawberry Point, if I remember correctly, longed to have livestock around him and have his children learn to love them too. They had a driving horse called Barney, a darling fat little Shetland pony called Belle, and the cutest little pony cart and a fat old white short-haired dog called Duke, even a Jersey cow for a short while. Those days were full of excitement and fun. But Mr. Chappell was not to enjoy his home and this new life with his family to whom he was so devoted for long. For suddenly one hot summer day in 1905, his heart worn out from the stress of the long move and the strength expended on his home, just gave up and ceased to beat anymore, and his beloved family left alone to live with his memory and the lovely home had built for them. The girls grew up in this, but times were not easy for the lovely mother. She sold the piece of land where the high school now stands to the school board and piece by piece other property. Many treasures were sold from the home to maintain a home for her girls.
Through all these trying years, Dr. Swedenburg was their family doctor and beloved friend. When Mrs. Chappell, who was then Mrs. George Wilson, found it was too much for her to maintain such a large home, disposed of it to Dr. Swedenburg and she moved to San Francisco. Dr. Swedenburg had purchased this house to be a permanent home fir his family and he and Mrs. Swedenburg also filled it with many treasures. His widow at the time of her death recently had specified and wished it still to be a home for her daughter, who was left. But such was not to be. It seems a state or college can move in and condemn a house that has had a "Heap of Living in it" and is now a "home" so that the loved ones who are now entitled to it, can no longer claim it as such. They call it progress, but I call it heartbreak and cruelty."
Sincerely,
Grace Milam Flint
Ashland
This letter was one of the many letters of protest to save the house from demolishing it. As a result the house was saved and put on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Charles C. Chappell's daughter Charlotte befriended Jim's mother Pauline, and Jim can remember her visiting the family home in Keokuk. Having grown up in the remarkable Ashland house, her visits to the carefully furnished and lovingly kept home at 216 High Street must have kept alive for Charlotte the Chappell family tradition of gracious living. The Chappell-Swedenburg house does indeed now stand on the grounds of Southern Oregon University, but it has been carefully preserved and renovated. In 1982, through the efforts of Jim's brother Charles S. Chappell and the Southern Oregon Historical Society, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now a jewel of the campus, it hosts special receptions, and continues to be a source of inspiration and wonder for those privileged to visit it.
My Mom
Painting With Words
Jim's gift for communication was shaped by the grace and wit of his mother Pauline Simpson Chappell. A ballerina and a writer, she impressed upon her son from an early age an appreciation of beauty and of proportion. From her he learned many of the skills of conversation, from the effective arrangement of words to the social power of wit and insight. When Jim read Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People, the wisdom of that book bore fruit on ground that had been prepared by Pauline.
A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Pauline attended the University of Kansas City and the Cranston School of Music. She studied ballet at the Kansas Conservatory of Music, and danced for several years with the Kansas City Ballet. Her devotion to the fine arts always informed her influence as a mother. Jim learned the importance of finding and channeling one's inspiration. In things big and small, she taught Jim the importance of careful arrangement and presentation. It was no surprise that Jim majored in the study of art at Drury University, or that he has always been known for his tasteful, elegant attire.
Pauline Chappell had a lifelong passion for the written word. Writing stories came naturally to her, and she looked at the world through a writer's eyes, alert to the complexities and the comedy of human nature. While raising a family in Keokuk, she belonged to two literary clubs, the Scribblers, who focused on writing, and Current Comment, which focused on books and the arts. Later in life she returned to school to work on creative writing at Penn Valley College, where at age 79 she won a certificate for excellence in creative writing. One of the peaks of her writing career came with her great success in writing acclaimed commercial jingles during what has been called the "Contest Era," when American companies sponsored public competitions for advertising messages. This era coincided with the time her boys were growing up. Over those years she won, in addition to money, a vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, a toaster, roller skates, cameras, radios, other appliances, and a bicycle which young Jim eagerly rode around town. But the commercial success never lessened her passion for poetry and for writing short stories. His mother taught Jim that there are many different kinds of success.
Jim has had a lifelong passion for art. One sign of that passion is his remarkable library of collectible books on art history. Jim can always cite the artist, or school, or technique behind a painting. He has a museum in his mind. Yet Jim's most impressive artistic achievement would have to be Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum, with its unmatched and elegantly arranged collection of sports memorabilia. People come back ten, twenty, a hundred times, to explore the collection. Overhead is the most impressive feature of all, more than a thousand football helmets from high schools, colleges, and pro teams all over America, many of them signed. In an instant Jim can find the precise location of any helmet and tell its story. He built the museum and also carries it in his head. The museum earned Jim a place in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and that achievement was born in the life lessons imparted by Pauline Chappell.
Jim's wife Gina continues the family tradition. Gina carefully arranges the hunt for Easter baskets with a series of limericks indicating the clues to guide the grandchildren to their eventual destination. Thought-provoking and cleverly worded, the poems come naturally to Gina as they did to Pauline. Jim has truly been blessed by these two women and their gift for painting with words.
As an example of the family tradition, here are some of Gina's witty limericks:
Painting With Words
Jim's gift for communication was shaped by the grace and wit of his mother Pauline Simpson Chappell. A ballerina and a writer, she impressed upon her son from an early age an appreciation of beauty and of proportion. From her he learned many of the skills of conversation, from the effective arrangement of words to the social power of wit and insight. When Jim read Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People, the wisdom of that book bore fruit on ground that had been prepared by Pauline.
A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Pauline attended the University of Kansas City and the Cranston School of Music. She studied ballet at the Kansas Conservatory of Music, and danced for several years with the Kansas City Ballet. Her devotion to the fine arts always informed her influence as a mother. Jim learned the importance of finding and channeling one's inspiration. In things big and small, she taught Jim the importance of careful arrangement and presentation. It was no surprise that Jim majored in the study of art at Drury University, or that he has always been known for his tasteful, elegant attire.
Pauline Chappell had a lifelong passion for the written word. Writing stories came naturally to her, and she looked at the world through a writer's eyes, alert to the complexities and the comedy of human nature. While raising a family in Keokuk, she belonged to two literary clubs, the Scribblers, who focused on writing, and Current Comment, which focused on books and the arts. Later in life she returned to school to work on creative writing at Penn Valley College, where at age 79 she won a certificate for excellence in creative writing. One of the peaks of her writing career came with her great success in writing acclaimed commercial jingles during what has been called the "Contest Era," when American companies sponsored public competitions for advertising messages. This era coincided with the time her boys were growing up. Over those years she won, in addition to money, a vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, a toaster, roller skates, cameras, radios, other appliances, and a bicycle which young Jim eagerly rode around town. But the commercial success never lessened her passion for poetry and for writing short stories. His mother taught Jim that there are many different kinds of success.
Jim has had a lifelong passion for art. One sign of that passion is his remarkable library of collectible books on art history. Jim can always cite the artist, or school, or technique behind a painting. He has a museum in his mind. Yet Jim's most impressive artistic achievement would have to be Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum, with its unmatched and elegantly arranged collection of sports memorabilia. People come back ten, twenty, a hundred times, to explore the collection. Overhead is the most impressive feature of all, more than a thousand football helmets from high schools, colleges, and pro teams all over America, many of them signed. In an instant Jim can find the precise location of any helmet and tell its story. He built the museum and also carries it in his head. The museum earned Jim a place in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and that achievement was born in the life lessons imparted by Pauline Chappell.
Jim's wife Gina continues the family tradition. Gina carefully arranges the hunt for Easter baskets with a series of limericks indicating the clues to guide the grandchildren to their eventual destination. Thought-provoking and cleverly worded, the poems come naturally to Gina as they did to Pauline. Jim has truly been blessed by these two women and their gift for painting with words.
As an example of the family tradition, here are some of Gina's witty limericks:
KANSAS CITY, MO, January 05, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- James B. Chappell has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Chappell is one of Kansas City's most celebrated sports icons; along with the astounding collection of sports memorabilia he procured, he is the founder of one of the city's most treasured restaurant, Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum, which he established nearly 40 years ago and sold in 2018. Prior to opening the restaurant in 1986, he attended Drury University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1965; served on active reserve in the United States Army, with honorable discharge, from 1965 to 1971; and gained experience in the restaurant business, working at Arrowhead Lodge Restaurant and Lounge for several years.
Moving forward in his career, Mr. Chappell worked for Mobil Oil Corporation, in a management role, and became a member of Platte County Business & Professional Association before becoming a partner of C.R. Tantillo & Associates Insurance Company, a position he held for nearly 20 years. While acting as partner, Mr. Chappell opened his restaurant and pursued a leadership role as president for Mitina Inc., which he held from 1981 to 2018.
Along with his various professional pursuits, Mr. Chappell continued on with his education and completed a course and received a certificate from the FBI Citizens Academy in 2011. His interest in the government processes led him to hold numerous roles in local government, starting in 1978 when he was a candidate for state senator. For nearly 50 years and counting, Mr. Chappell has served as a commissioner, vice chairman, governor's advisor, and board member across various sectors of local government and law enforcement organizations and boards.
As an active member of his local community and government, Mr. Chappell has volunteered for and participated in numerous civic engagements over the last several decades, starting in 1976 with his involvement with the Republican National Convention Host Committee and ultimately being selected as an at-large delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention. Since then, he has sat on several boards and licensing bureaus and played a part in coordinating and fundraising efforts, including serving on the advisory council of the Clay County Sherriff's Office.
From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Chappell devoted his time as a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics honorary coach and hosted the Jim Chappell Boy Scouts Golf Classic throughout the 1990s into the early 2000s. Furthermore, he served as chairman of the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners, appointed by Governor Matt Blunt, from 2005 to 2009. For his noteworthy contributions to the community, both as a public servant and restauranteur, Mr. Chappell has received several awards and recognitions, including the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award in 2000 and being named one of 25 individuals who made Kansas City a better sports town by the Kansas City Star in 2002.
In 2003, Mr. Chappell received the honor of being Grand Marshal of the Snake Sunday Parade and was enshrined in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in the class of 2013, among other recognitions. Along with his personal awards are those of his restaurant, which has received coverage by Yahoo and USA Today along with Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, where it was voted by both as one of the best sports restaurants in the nation. Since its debut on the restaurant scene, it has spent its time in the spotlight as a repeat subject of coverage in countless newspaper and magazine articles as well as radio and television shows.
Being known as an icon himself, and thus being afforded the opportunity to interact with and befriend other sports icons over the years, Mr. Chappell co-authored Conversations at Chappell's, a collection of stories shared by several local Kansas City sports icons, detailing their friendship with him. He was also featured in a short film produced by the Chiefs Network, called Chief's Kingdom, about his relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mr. Chappell is also a past member of the Kansas City Chapter of the National Football League Alumni Association.
As a restauranteur, he held membership with the National Restaurant Association, the Missouri Restaurant Association, and the Kansas City Restaurant Association. His professional involvement also led him to serve as President of the North Kansas City Business Council. Mr. Chappell was also featured in the Hometown Heroes segment on local news station KMBZ, Channel 9. Outside of his professional affiliations, he is a patron of the arts and has maintained his membership with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art since 1980 and with the Art Institute of Chicago since 1999.
Additionally, Mr. Chappell is a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the North Kansas City Hospital Auxiliary, the Kansas City Club, the American Legion Post 58, the Native Sons & Daughters of Greater Kansas City, and the Sons of the American Revolution, among various other organizations. After retiring from the restaurant business, his focus has been on his civic engagements and how he can continue to contribute to his local community. Mr. Chappell served on the Board of Directors for the First Bank of Missouri from 1985 to 2017, and was the Chairman of the Board from 1989 to 2017. He also served on the Board of Directors of Valley View Holding Company from 1994 to 2017. Upon the merger of First Bank of Missouri and Valley View Holding Company in 2017, becoming Security Bank, Mr. Chappell has continued to sit on the board of directors of Security Bank. Mr. Chappell is also actively involved in efforts to relocate the city's ballpark to North Kansas City.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
Mr. Chappell is one of Kansas City's most celebrated sports icons; along with the astounding collection of sports memorabilia he procured, he is the founder of one of the city's most treasured restaurant, Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum, which he established nearly 40 years ago and sold in 2018. Prior to opening the restaurant in 1986, he attended Drury University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1965; served on active reserve in the United States Army, with honorable discharge, from 1965 to 1971; and gained experience in the restaurant business, working at Arrowhead Lodge Restaurant and Lounge for several years.
Moving forward in his career, Mr. Chappell worked for Mobil Oil Corporation, in a management role, and became a member of Platte County Business & Professional Association before becoming a partner of C.R. Tantillo & Associates Insurance Company, a position he held for nearly 20 years. While acting as partner, Mr. Chappell opened his restaurant and pursued a leadership role as president for Mitina Inc., which he held from 1981 to 2018.
Along with his various professional pursuits, Mr. Chappell continued on with his education and completed a course and received a certificate from the FBI Citizens Academy in 2011. His interest in the government processes led him to hold numerous roles in local government, starting in 1978 when he was a candidate for state senator. For nearly 50 years and counting, Mr. Chappell has served as a commissioner, vice chairman, governor's advisor, and board member across various sectors of local government and law enforcement organizations and boards.
As an active member of his local community and government, Mr. Chappell has volunteered for and participated in numerous civic engagements over the last several decades, starting in 1976 with his involvement with the Republican National Convention Host Committee and ultimately being selected as an at-large delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention. Since then, he has sat on several boards and licensing bureaus and played a part in coordinating and fundraising efforts, including serving on the advisory council of the Clay County Sherriff's Office.
From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Chappell devoted his time as a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics honorary coach and hosted the Jim Chappell Boy Scouts Golf Classic throughout the 1990s into the early 2000s. Furthermore, he served as chairman of the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners, appointed by Governor Matt Blunt, from 2005 to 2009. For his noteworthy contributions to the community, both as a public servant and restauranteur, Mr. Chappell has received several awards and recognitions, including the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award in 2000 and being named one of 25 individuals who made Kansas City a better sports town by the Kansas City Star in 2002.
In 2003, Mr. Chappell received the honor of being Grand Marshal of the Snake Sunday Parade and was enshrined in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in the class of 2013, among other recognitions. Along with his personal awards are those of his restaurant, which has received coverage by Yahoo and USA Today along with Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, where it was voted by both as one of the best sports restaurants in the nation. Since its debut on the restaurant scene, it has spent its time in the spotlight as a repeat subject of coverage in countless newspaper and magazine articles as well as radio and television shows.
Being known as an icon himself, and thus being afforded the opportunity to interact with and befriend other sports icons over the years, Mr. Chappell co-authored Conversations at Chappell's, a collection of stories shared by several local Kansas City sports icons, detailing their friendship with him. He was also featured in a short film produced by the Chiefs Network, called Chief's Kingdom, about his relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mr. Chappell is also a past member of the Kansas City Chapter of the National Football League Alumni Association.
As a restauranteur, he held membership with the National Restaurant Association, the Missouri Restaurant Association, and the Kansas City Restaurant Association. His professional involvement also led him to serve as President of the North Kansas City Business Council. Mr. Chappell was also featured in the Hometown Heroes segment on local news station KMBZ, Channel 9. Outside of his professional affiliations, he is a patron of the arts and has maintained his membership with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art since 1980 and with the Art Institute of Chicago since 1999.
Additionally, Mr. Chappell is a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the North Kansas City Hospital Auxiliary, the Kansas City Club, the American Legion Post 58, the Native Sons & Daughters of Greater Kansas City, and the Sons of the American Revolution, among various other organizations. After retiring from the restaurant business, his focus has been on his civic engagements and how he can continue to contribute to his local community. Mr. Chappell served on the Board of Directors for the First Bank of Missouri from 1985 to 2017, and was the Chairman of the Board from 1989 to 2017. He also served on the Board of Directors of Valley View Holding Company from 1994 to 2017. Upon the merger of First Bank of Missouri and Valley View Holding Company in 2017, becoming Security Bank, Mr. Chappell has continued to sit on the board of directors of Security Bank. Mr. Chappell is also actively involved in efforts to relocate the city's ballpark to North Kansas City.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
Jim & The Mike Murphy Show
Mike Murphy was the number one radio personality in Kansas City for a number of years. He won the prestigious Marconi Award for the large market personality of the year nationwide. Jim and Mike were good friends from Iowa and Jim was a regular on Mike's show. They referred to it at the “Southeast Iowa Show”. On occasion, Mike would do his show at Chappell's Restaurant. At one particular show, Mike got the idea to do a Chiefs Super Bowl Show (1969) and put Jim in charge of getting the players. The following is a quote from the Kansas City Star about the show:
“Jim Chappell and Mike Murphy coaxed Otis Taylor, Len Dawson, Bobby Bell, Fred Arbanas, Ed Lothamer, Bobby Ply, Curt Merz, Bill Grigsby and other former Super Bowl Chiefs to join them at Chappell's Restaurant and Sports Museum in North Kansas City for Mike's Friday morning show. There is not enough space here to document, lies and love that filled those three hours. A more enjoyable use of the Marconi invention has yet to be invented.”
Kansas City Star
June 19, 1998
Mike said it was the best show they had ever had and immediately told Jim they should have a 1985 World Series Show. Jim got John Wathan, Danny Jackson, Jamie Quirk George Brett, Willie Wilson and several other Royals to do another great show at Chappell's.
Jim was a guest on several talk shows, but he always appreciated Mike's friendship and doing his shows best. He is still friends with Mike's nephew, Greg Schmidt (Meatsauce) as Mike nicknamed him. Some of the best times Jim, Mike and Greg had were the lunches after Murphy's show.
Mike Murphy was the number one radio personality in Kansas City for a number of years. He won the prestigious Marconi Award for the large market personality of the year nationwide. Jim and Mike were good friends from Iowa and Jim was a regular on Mike's show. They referred to it at the “Southeast Iowa Show”. On occasion, Mike would do his show at Chappell's Restaurant. At one particular show, Mike got the idea to do a Chiefs Super Bowl Show (1969) and put Jim in charge of getting the players. The following is a quote from the Kansas City Star about the show:
“Jim Chappell and Mike Murphy coaxed Otis Taylor, Len Dawson, Bobby Bell, Fred Arbanas, Ed Lothamer, Bobby Ply, Curt Merz, Bill Grigsby and other former Super Bowl Chiefs to join them at Chappell's Restaurant and Sports Museum in North Kansas City for Mike's Friday morning show. There is not enough space here to document, lies and love that filled those three hours. A more enjoyable use of the Marconi invention has yet to be invented.”
Kansas City Star
June 19, 1998
Mike said it was the best show they had ever had and immediately told Jim they should have a 1985 World Series Show. Jim got John Wathan, Danny Jackson, Jamie Quirk George Brett, Willie Wilson and several other Royals to do another great show at Chappell's.
Jim was a guest on several talk shows, but he always appreciated Mike's friendship and doing his shows best. He is still friends with Mike's nephew, Greg Schmidt (Meatsauce) as Mike nicknamed him. Some of the best times Jim, Mike and Greg had were the lunches after Murphy's show.
The Story of 98
Jim has long been known for his distinctive car with its distinctive license plate "98." For four decades Jim has driven a succession of sleek black Jaguars. The story of that license plate points to Jim's role in the public life of Missouri and his standing as a champion of the state.
Typically, Missouri license plates typically feature the formula of a total of six numbers and letters. The only exceptions are license plates that are simply numbered "1" through "9999." These plates reflect the different levels of state government and are in principle assigned according to a set pattern. The single-digit plates are reserved for the Governor and other statewide officeholders. The two-digit numbers are controlled by the Governor, the three-digit numbers by State Senators, and the four-digit numbers by State Representatives. In practice the Governor plays the major role in assigning all two-, three-, and four-digit numbers. During the Governorship of Joe Teasdale these plates became lifelong possessions, regardless of changes in administration.
In his heyday in the first half of the twentieth century, Kansas City political boss Tom Pendergast used his connections to secure license plates 98, 99, and 100 for his personal use. At the time, the Missouri State Capitol was called "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in reference to Pendergast's unparalleled political clout. When passers-by noted the characteristic license plate outside political offices in downtown Kansas City, or maybe outside Harry Truman's office on the Independence Square, they knew that Boss Pendergast was nearby.
As Jim rose in prominence in the public life of Missouri, he found himself in possession of Pendergast's old license plate "98." This was a tribute to Jim's long career of public service and to his standing with state political leaders, especially Governor Christopher "Kit" Bond. Today Jim's license plate stands as a symbol of over a century of Missouri political tradition and also as a symbol of his own many decades as a pillar of the Show Me State. The distinctive "98" captures the spirit of Jim's keen sense of history and his long-standing dedication to public service.
Jim has long been known for his distinctive car with its distinctive license plate "98." For four decades Jim has driven a succession of sleek black Jaguars. The story of that license plate points to Jim's role in the public life of Missouri and his standing as a champion of the state.
Typically, Missouri license plates typically feature the formula of a total of six numbers and letters. The only exceptions are license plates that are simply numbered "1" through "9999." These plates reflect the different levels of state government and are in principle assigned according to a set pattern. The single-digit plates are reserved for the Governor and other statewide officeholders. The two-digit numbers are controlled by the Governor, the three-digit numbers by State Senators, and the four-digit numbers by State Representatives. In practice the Governor plays the major role in assigning all two-, three-, and four-digit numbers. During the Governorship of Joe Teasdale these plates became lifelong possessions, regardless of changes in administration.
In his heyday in the first half of the twentieth century, Kansas City political boss Tom Pendergast used his connections to secure license plates 98, 99, and 100 for his personal use. At the time, the Missouri State Capitol was called "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in reference to Pendergast's unparalleled political clout. When passers-by noted the characteristic license plate outside political offices in downtown Kansas City, or maybe outside Harry Truman's office on the Independence Square, they knew that Boss Pendergast was nearby.
As Jim rose in prominence in the public life of Missouri, he found himself in possession of Pendergast's old license plate "98." This was a tribute to Jim's long career of public service and to his standing with state political leaders, especially Governor Christopher "Kit" Bond. Today Jim's license plate stands as a symbol of over a century of Missouri political tradition and also as a symbol of his own many decades as a pillar of the Show Me State. The distinctive "98" captures the spirit of Jim's keen sense of history and his long-standing dedication to public service.
CHARLES M. CHAPPELL
&
MacMURRAY COLLEGE
In 1850, my great great grandfather, Charles M. Chappell, gave for the time a sizable donation to the endowment of the Illinois Women's College. In appreciation, he was given a perpetual scholarship for all his heirs. The name was changed to MacMurray College in 1930 in honor of James E. MacMurray, who was an Illinois state senator, president of the Acme Steel Corporation in Chicago, and college trustee whose commitment led to a substantial increase in the college's facilities and endowment in the late 1920s and 1930s. The institution remained an exclusive women's college until 1955 when they accepted men.
In 2020, MacMurrray announced its plans to close at the end of the spring semester in May 2020. The college cited “declining enrollments, rising competitive costs and an insufficient endowment.”
Charles M. Chappell's daughter, Amelia Chappell Rapp, graduated from Illinois Women's College. She was the only Chappell heir to use this scholarship in its 170 year history.
&
MacMURRAY COLLEGE
In 1850, my great great grandfather, Charles M. Chappell, gave for the time a sizable donation to the endowment of the Illinois Women's College. In appreciation, he was given a perpetual scholarship for all his heirs. The name was changed to MacMurray College in 1930 in honor of James E. MacMurray, who was an Illinois state senator, president of the Acme Steel Corporation in Chicago, and college trustee whose commitment led to a substantial increase in the college's facilities and endowment in the late 1920s and 1930s. The institution remained an exclusive women's college until 1955 when they accepted men.
In 2020, MacMurrray announced its plans to close at the end of the spring semester in May 2020. The college cited “declining enrollments, rising competitive costs and an insufficient endowment.”
Charles M. Chappell's daughter, Amelia Chappell Rapp, graduated from Illinois Women's College. She was the only Chappell heir to use this scholarship in its 170 year history.
Alice Birdsall: Legal Pioneer
One of Jim's (James Birdsall Chappell) most fascinating ancestors is the celebrated attorney Alice Mabeth Birdsall. Born in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1880, Alice had a prominent career in the law and public service in Arizona and California at a time when there were very few female attorneys. Her father and brother were attorneys, and she had worked as a legal clerk and stenographer before attending law school in Washington, D.C. at the Washington College of Law, which is now part of American University. She graduated from law school in 1912 after completing a three-year course of study in one year with the highest grade-point average in the school's history.
That same year Alice established her legal career in Arizona, where for years she was the only woman licensed to practice law. Later, in 1927, when she was licensed also to practice law in California, a story in the Los Angeles Times about her admission to the California bar identifies her as someone who had been considered for the governorship of Arizona. She served as treasurer of the Arizona State Bar Association, and served for over a decade as official reporter of decisions for the Arizona Supreme Court, a capacity in which she compiled and published 26 volumes of decisions by the court. In the courtroom, Alice was a wily and determined advocate. One prominent Arizona attorney is reported to have said he would just as soon be facing any other attorney besides Alice Birdsall. Her trailblazing work in bankruptcy law earned her an appointment to the American Bar Association Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy.
In addition to her legal practice, Alice was an important contributor to public life. She lobbied for decades to secure women's right to serve on juries in Arizona, with ultimate success coming in 1945. Early in her career she worked hard to promote women's suffrage, serving an instrumental role in Arizona's ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. During World War I, she served as chair of the Women's Liberty Loan Committee, and wound up raising fully half of all Liberty Loan money raised in Arizona. In 1920-one year after ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment-she served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco, which nominated James Cox for president and Franklin D. Roosevelt for vice-president.
Having started her legal practice at the time Arizona entered the union as a state in 1912, Alice remained active in her legal career well into her seventies, retiring only a few months before her death in 1958. She is still remembered as a pillar of the legal world and an icon of women's achievement in professional life. In honor of her legacy she was enshrined in the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame in 2010.
Jim can remember speaking with Aunt Alice over the phone when she would call the family in Keokuk from Arizona. She was a delightful conversationalist, and a source of encouragement and inspiration. She was especially careful to encourage Jim's education, and left a legacy to support Jim's studies at Drury University. In a tradition begun by Jim's mother Pauline and carried on at Drury by art professor Edith West, Alice Birdsall was one of those remarkable women whose inspiration and belief in Jim propelled him to pursue his dreams.
The contribution of the Birdsall family to public life is embodied in Roger Birdsall Memorial Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa, named after Alice's brother and fellow attorney Roger. The golf courses and gorgeous grounds of Birdsall Park offer testimony to the accomplishments of this family, which stands in the leading ranks of the legal profession and public life across several states. Today the tradition is carried on by Jim's daughter Michele Ann Chappell Pato in New Mexico, whose distinguished legal career spans work in government and in the private sector. Alice would be proud.
Alice M Birdsall: Arizona Women Hall of Fame
One of Jim's (James Birdsall Chappell) most fascinating ancestors is the celebrated attorney Alice Mabeth Birdsall. Born in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1880, Alice had a prominent career in the law and public service in Arizona and California at a time when there were very few female attorneys. Her father and brother were attorneys, and she had worked as a legal clerk and stenographer before attending law school in Washington, D.C. at the Washington College of Law, which is now part of American University. She graduated from law school in 1912 after completing a three-year course of study in one year with the highest grade-point average in the school's history.
That same year Alice established her legal career in Arizona, where for years she was the only woman licensed to practice law. Later, in 1927, when she was licensed also to practice law in California, a story in the Los Angeles Times about her admission to the California bar identifies her as someone who had been considered for the governorship of Arizona. She served as treasurer of the Arizona State Bar Association, and served for over a decade as official reporter of decisions for the Arizona Supreme Court, a capacity in which she compiled and published 26 volumes of decisions by the court. In the courtroom, Alice was a wily and determined advocate. One prominent Arizona attorney is reported to have said he would just as soon be facing any other attorney besides Alice Birdsall. Her trailblazing work in bankruptcy law earned her an appointment to the American Bar Association Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy.
In addition to her legal practice, Alice was an important contributor to public life. She lobbied for decades to secure women's right to serve on juries in Arizona, with ultimate success coming in 1945. Early in her career she worked hard to promote women's suffrage, serving an instrumental role in Arizona's ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. During World War I, she served as chair of the Women's Liberty Loan Committee, and wound up raising fully half of all Liberty Loan money raised in Arizona. In 1920-one year after ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment-she served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco, which nominated James Cox for president and Franklin D. Roosevelt for vice-president.
Having started her legal practice at the time Arizona entered the union as a state in 1912, Alice remained active in her legal career well into her seventies, retiring only a few months before her death in 1958. She is still remembered as a pillar of the legal world and an icon of women's achievement in professional life. In honor of her legacy she was enshrined in the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame in 2010.
Jim can remember speaking with Aunt Alice over the phone when she would call the family in Keokuk from Arizona. She was a delightful conversationalist, and a source of encouragement and inspiration. She was especially careful to encourage Jim's education, and left a legacy to support Jim's studies at Drury University. In a tradition begun by Jim's mother Pauline and carried on at Drury by art professor Edith West, Alice Birdsall was one of those remarkable women whose inspiration and belief in Jim propelled him to pursue his dreams.
The contribution of the Birdsall family to public life is embodied in Roger Birdsall Memorial Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa, named after Alice's brother and fellow attorney Roger. The golf courses and gorgeous grounds of Birdsall Park offer testimony to the accomplishments of this family, which stands in the leading ranks of the legal profession and public life across several states. Today the tradition is carried on by Jim's daughter Michele Ann Chappell Pato in New Mexico, whose distinguished legal career spans work in government and in the private sector. Alice would be proud.
Alice M Birdsall: Arizona Women Hall of Fame
Jim Chappell: A Good Sport and Great Scholar
April 17, 2011 by Pete Dulin
Seated at a table, Jim Chappell opens a book of poetry and begins to read in a deep baritone. His finger scans the lines like a narrow spotlight illuminating the page. His voice warms to the words and revels in the rhythm and alliteration. The periphery of the room melts away, the banter of voices and drone of a television fade, and Chappell’s table transforms into a stage.
Once upon a midnight dreary,
while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping,
suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping,
rapping at my chamber door.
”Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door –
Only this, and nothing more.”
Chappell’s impromptu recitation breathes vigor into Edgar Allen Poe’s famous poem, The Raven, which was published over 150 years ago. “Isn’t that a great line?” he asks, referring to the opening. He marvels at Poe’s choice of words with the delight of a scholar, then leans back in his chair.
The presence of the room seeps into the moment, filled with football helmets, pennants, trophies, and sports memorabilia collected over many years. At Chappell’s Restaurant in North Kansas City, guests dine on classic American fare, discuss politics and sports, or mind the television as it broadcasts a football game. Named after the owner, Chappell’s celebrated its twentieth anniversary on November 24, 2006. Both owner and restaurant have received ample recognition for the voluminous collection of sports memorabilia that covers the walls and ceiling. The Kansas City Star, USA Today, Sport Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and many other publications have written articles or bestowed awards on Chappell’s as one of the best sports bars in America. Or sports museum, as Chappell prefers to call his establishment. In fact, guests won’t encounter glaring wide screen televisions, a limited menu of cheap fried bar food, and numerous guys in T-shirts found in most sports bars. Chappell’s is an uncommon place that is easily miscast, much like the owner. While he has been heralded for this popular repository of sports artifacts and his vast knowledge of its contents, few people know about the other side of Jim Chappell.
A Remarkable Mind
Born in Keokuk, Iowa, Chappell lived there during his young life until he left to attend college at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri and earned a degree in art. The young man grew up in a house filled with 5,000 books, supplying Chappell’s inquisitive mind with ample material to read every night as he still does today. His father, Charles, often strolled around the house and read poetry and literature aloud. “My dad would recite The Raven. I recited Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigrade for my grandmother,” he says.
Even today, Chappell demonstrates the ability to recall a wide range of poetry, facts, and stories drawn from his extensive reading and travels. His library at home contains 2,500 books. He recently read Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson. Chappell re-reads classic works of literature on a regular basis, but also consumes biographies and art books on figures in literature, art, politics, and history. He displays a fascination with people and places such as Dorothy Parker, the famed Algonquin Round Table, Gertrude Stein, and the ex-patriots that lived in Europe.
“How would you like to be in Gertrude Stein’s living room with all these people from the Twenties? The Lost Generation of Fitzgerald, Pound, Woolf, Eliot, Hemingway…Stein named them ‘The Lost Generation’ after World War I and the Depression. These people were kind of lost and saw the horrors of war,” says Chappell.
As he speaks, Chappell looks like a tall, rugged scholar with close-cropped gray hair in casual attire. He pauses frequently to greet or bid goodbye to guests and local characters passing by the bar. A gold ring adorns his left hand as a symbol of his forty-year marriage to his wife Gina. They have two married daughters, Christina and Michelle.
Sports Man
A commemorative ring from Super Bowl IV in 1970, when the Kansas City Chiefs prevailed over the Minnesota Vikings, sparkles on Chappell’s right hand. It is the only obvious reference to sports that he wears regularly. The restaurant itself serves as a visual embodiment of sports in all shapes and forms. Chappell is a life-long collector and curator of knowledge, objects, and anecdotes. The museum, which he decorated himself, is a testament to sports acquisitions, purchases, and donations assembled over two decades. Naturally, he selects his customers as his favorite “thing” about the place.
As an icebreaker, Chappell will sometimes ask a visitor where he or she went to school. If the college or university has a sports team, then Chappell can usually point at a piece of related memorabilia in the restaurant. Thousands of collegiate and professional football helmets hang from the ceiling. A quick glance at the rafters uncovers old boxing gloves, wooden golf clubs above the bar, a photo of Chappell with Joe Montana, historic images of Babe Ruth, and baseball jerseys for the New York Yankees, former St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators, and Philadelphia Athletics, a team that moved to Kansas City in 1955 and headed to Oakland thirteen years later. The late, great Buck O’Neil signed a panoramic photograph of the Kansas City Monarchs Negro League Baseball team displayed in the back dining room. The list of notable sports achievers, well-known and obscure, goes on––photos of Hank Aaron, Royal third baseman George Brett, and KC Monarch Alfred “Slick” Surratt. Another signed photo depicts All-Star Alice ”Lefty” Hohlmeyer, who pitched and played first base for the Kenosha Comets from 1946-51, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988, and was one of the many women who inspired the Hollywood film, A League of Their Own.
Food
Even for non-sports enthusiasts, the establishment is an authentic slice of Americana that could never be reproduced like the faux historic hodge-podge décor of chain restaurants found across the metropolitan area. Chappell’s represents a history that lives beyond sheer statistics, controversies like drug use in sports, and the merchandising machine of the NFL, NBA, and MLB. If you don’t know or don’t care what those acronyms mean, it’s okay.
Chappell’s offers more than a stroll down sports memory lane. He launched the place as a political/sports bar in 1986, but eventually emphasized the sports aspect with a casual dining concept that has proven a winner ever since. The restaurant has grown from 65 to 235 seats and features a private banquet room.
The restaurant serves hearty, quality food from prime rib to all-American hamburgers. Chappell maintains that he couldn’t stay in business as a restaurant, especially for twenty years, if the food weren’t good. “I lot of people come for the memorabilia, but come back for the food. It’s more of a restaurant than a sports bar,” he says.
Families dine here in droves, partaking of a menu diverse enough to handle hearty appetites, health-conscious diets, and the finicky taste of kids. The menu does not strive for fussy innovation or cutting edge culinary surprises. Guests can order down-home and familiar favorites like chicken Caesar salad, steak soup, charbroiled chicken or salmon, steamed vegetables, a 12-ounce Kansas City strip, London broil, burgers, tenderloins, chicken fingers, and Philly steak sandwiches, for example. Signature desserts include a Snickers bar ice cream pie, apple caramel walnut cobbler, and a classic old-fashioned root beer float.
Scholar
Although his reputation for sports knowledge and memorabilia precedes him, the restaurant owner’s interest in arts and culture receives far less attention. Chappell exhibits a sense of satisfaction in mentally gathering and sharing a wealth of information about poetry, books, painters, and distant locales to people of like mind.
“People look at me and would never guess I was into poetry. I’m an artist and I can tell you how many times Stan Musial won the batting title,” states Chappell. He waits a beat. “Five.” Moments later, he lists Emily Dickinson as his favorite poet, then recites the first stanza of a beloved poem, “Because I Could Not Stop for Death,” from memory.
Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.
Chappell’s love for literature and poetry came from his family, but he nurtured a natural interest in art. ”Art came easy for me,” he says.
Chappell graduated from college with a degree in art. He continues to read and traveled extensively to sate his appetite for learning. The classic Greek and Roman art and modern conceptual works don’t impress him much, but he admires nearly all other major art periods. He has visited fifty states and forty-five countries, exploring museums and galleries such as the Louvre in Paris and Modern Museum of Modern Art in New York. Chappell does not simply spout information about an artist or period or poet. He offers a considered opinion and interpretation with the unassuming air of a friendly historian. ”I like the Renaissance, Pop Art by Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns, Baroque, and the Impressionists. Everyone likes Impressionism now, but back then, no one liked it. The artist started their own salons to exhibit work,” says Chappell.
When asked what living artist or poet he would like to meet, Chappell pauses, flips pages in a book of poetry, and thinks. He muses out loud, truly contemplating the weight of his choice, and finally rationalizes an answer with keen insight. “I might be surprised by somebody, but would probably be disappointed. There are not going to be as good as their work,” says Chappell. “Dickinson was a recluse. I would like to meet her though. If I was guaranteed that they’d be like I thought they’d be, then I’d want to meet them.”
Of course, there are no such guarantees in life or death. Chappell wrestles less with the next question that he proposes. If he could pick somebody to come back from the dead to meet again, who would it be? He answers with certainty and forethought, “My dad. He saw me as a brat. He died at 54 from a heart attack. I wished he could have seen what I have become. He would have been proud of me and this place,” says Chappell.
The admission is touching when it comes from this savvy businessman, family man, sports historian, and modest intellectual. Jim Chappell sees himself through a different prism than his loyal customers and a staff that wears commemorative shirts for the anniversary. He talks about his biggest regrets even when seemingly surrounded by the trappings of success.
“I didn’t take more chances. When I took a big chance like opening this place, I succeeded,” says Chappell, gauging one measure of his life. “I’ve always taken the safe route. It’s a fear of failure. I still have it when I think about doing something else. It’s kind of odd because everyone sees me as successful. The truth is, no one sees himself as successful. I’ve done a lot, I guess.”
This last remark is an understatement, depending on how one looks at life. He jokes about his marriage of forty years being an accomplishment for his wife. Chappell is proud of his two daughters. He has served as chairman or member of numerous boards and commissions in politics, arts, and banking. He can rattle off a list of celebrities that he has met in this line of work––sports greats like George Brett, Joe Montana, Marcus Allen, Brooks Robinson; the artist Leroy Nieman; country music star Vince Gill; and countless state and local politicians that come through and shake hands with customers.
Chappell’s is the kind of place where athletes and aesthetes and politicians can cross paths with everyday folk. The restaurant owner still enjoys giving young kids a piece of memorabilia, like a signed foam baseball, to take home, only to see them come back as a grown adult, introduce themselves, and say, “I remember when…”
Statistics and signed baseballs tell only part of the story in sports. Similarly, the living legacy of Jim Chappell is not easy to distill based on the colorful confines of his famous restaurant, the rankings as one of the top sports bars in the country, or the collective memories of his friends and patrons.
Chappell cites a poem by John Donne, Death Be Not Proud, as another one of his favorites that discusses how not to be afraid of death. The selection seems to reflect an important characteristic about this man. Despite his self-portrayal as someone that didn’t take more chances, a more fitting emphasis is his willingness to seek opportunities – in art, literature, travel, sport, politics, business, and family – as a champion of life.
Jim Chappell: A Good Sport and Great Scholar
April 17, 2011 by Pete Dulin
Seated at a table, Jim Chappell opens a book of poetry and begins to read in a deep baritone. His finger scans the lines like a narrow spotlight illuminating the page. His voice warms to the words and revels in the rhythm and alliteration. The periphery of the room melts away, the banter of voices and drone of a television fade, and Chappell’s table transforms into a stage.
Once upon a midnight dreary,
while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping,
suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping,
rapping at my chamber door.
”Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door –
Only this, and nothing more.”
Chappell’s impromptu recitation breathes vigor into Edgar Allen Poe’s famous poem, The Raven, which was published over 150 years ago. “Isn’t that a great line?” he asks, referring to the opening. He marvels at Poe’s choice of words with the delight of a scholar, then leans back in his chair.
The presence of the room seeps into the moment, filled with football helmets, pennants, trophies, and sports memorabilia collected over many years. At Chappell’s Restaurant in North Kansas City, guests dine on classic American fare, discuss politics and sports, or mind the television as it broadcasts a football game. Named after the owner, Chappell’s celebrated its twentieth anniversary on November 24, 2006. Both owner and restaurant have received ample recognition for the voluminous collection of sports memorabilia that covers the walls and ceiling. The Kansas City Star, USA Today, Sport Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and many other publications have written articles or bestowed awards on Chappell’s as one of the best sports bars in America. Or sports museum, as Chappell prefers to call his establishment. In fact, guests won’t encounter glaring wide screen televisions, a limited menu of cheap fried bar food, and numerous guys in T-shirts found in most sports bars. Chappell’s is an uncommon place that is easily miscast, much like the owner. While he has been heralded for this popular repository of sports artifacts and his vast knowledge of its contents, few people know about the other side of Jim Chappell.
A Remarkable Mind
Born in Keokuk, Iowa, Chappell lived there during his young life until he left to attend college at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri and earned a degree in art. The young man grew up in a house filled with 5,000 books, supplying Chappell’s inquisitive mind with ample material to read every night as he still does today. His father, Charles, often strolled around the house and read poetry and literature aloud. “My dad would recite The Raven. I recited Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigrade for my grandmother,” he says.
Even today, Chappell demonstrates the ability to recall a wide range of poetry, facts, and stories drawn from his extensive reading and travels. His library at home contains 2,500 books. He recently read Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson. Chappell re-reads classic works of literature on a regular basis, but also consumes biographies and art books on figures in literature, art, politics, and history. He displays a fascination with people and places such as Dorothy Parker, the famed Algonquin Round Table, Gertrude Stein, and the ex-patriots that lived in Europe.
“How would you like to be in Gertrude Stein’s living room with all these people from the Twenties? The Lost Generation of Fitzgerald, Pound, Woolf, Eliot, Hemingway…Stein named them ‘The Lost Generation’ after World War I and the Depression. These people were kind of lost and saw the horrors of war,” says Chappell.
As he speaks, Chappell looks like a tall, rugged scholar with close-cropped gray hair in casual attire. He pauses frequently to greet or bid goodbye to guests and local characters passing by the bar. A gold ring adorns his left hand as a symbol of his forty-year marriage to his wife Gina. They have two married daughters, Christina and Michelle.
Sports Man
A commemorative ring from Super Bowl IV in 1970, when the Kansas City Chiefs prevailed over the Minnesota Vikings, sparkles on Chappell’s right hand. It is the only obvious reference to sports that he wears regularly. The restaurant itself serves as a visual embodiment of sports in all shapes and forms. Chappell is a life-long collector and curator of knowledge, objects, and anecdotes. The museum, which he decorated himself, is a testament to sports acquisitions, purchases, and donations assembled over two decades. Naturally, he selects his customers as his favorite “thing” about the place.
As an icebreaker, Chappell will sometimes ask a visitor where he or she went to school. If the college or university has a sports team, then Chappell can usually point at a piece of related memorabilia in the restaurant. Thousands of collegiate and professional football helmets hang from the ceiling. A quick glance at the rafters uncovers old boxing gloves, wooden golf clubs above the bar, a photo of Chappell with Joe Montana, historic images of Babe Ruth, and baseball jerseys for the New York Yankees, former St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators, and Philadelphia Athletics, a team that moved to Kansas City in 1955 and headed to Oakland thirteen years later. The late, great Buck O’Neil signed a panoramic photograph of the Kansas City Monarchs Negro League Baseball team displayed in the back dining room. The list of notable sports achievers, well-known and obscure, goes on––photos of Hank Aaron, Royal third baseman George Brett, and KC Monarch Alfred “Slick” Surratt. Another signed photo depicts All-Star Alice ”Lefty” Hohlmeyer, who pitched and played first base for the Kenosha Comets from 1946-51, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988, and was one of the many women who inspired the Hollywood film, A League of Their Own.
Food
Even for non-sports enthusiasts, the establishment is an authentic slice of Americana that could never be reproduced like the faux historic hodge-podge décor of chain restaurants found across the metropolitan area. Chappell’s represents a history that lives beyond sheer statistics, controversies like drug use in sports, and the merchandising machine of the NFL, NBA, and MLB. If you don’t know or don’t care what those acronyms mean, it’s okay.
Chappell’s offers more than a stroll down sports memory lane. He launched the place as a political/sports bar in 1986, but eventually emphasized the sports aspect with a casual dining concept that has proven a winner ever since. The restaurant has grown from 65 to 235 seats and features a private banquet room.
The restaurant serves hearty, quality food from prime rib to all-American hamburgers. Chappell maintains that he couldn’t stay in business as a restaurant, especially for twenty years, if the food weren’t good. “I lot of people come for the memorabilia, but come back for the food. It’s more of a restaurant than a sports bar,” he says.
Families dine here in droves, partaking of a menu diverse enough to handle hearty appetites, health-conscious diets, and the finicky taste of kids. The menu does not strive for fussy innovation or cutting edge culinary surprises. Guests can order down-home and familiar favorites like chicken Caesar salad, steak soup, charbroiled chicken or salmon, steamed vegetables, a 12-ounce Kansas City strip, London broil, burgers, tenderloins, chicken fingers, and Philly steak sandwiches, for example. Signature desserts include a Snickers bar ice cream pie, apple caramel walnut cobbler, and a classic old-fashioned root beer float.
Scholar
Although his reputation for sports knowledge and memorabilia precedes him, the restaurant owner’s interest in arts and culture receives far less attention. Chappell exhibits a sense of satisfaction in mentally gathering and sharing a wealth of information about poetry, books, painters, and distant locales to people of like mind.
“People look at me and would never guess I was into poetry. I’m an artist and I can tell you how many times Stan Musial won the batting title,” states Chappell. He waits a beat. “Five.” Moments later, he lists Emily Dickinson as his favorite poet, then recites the first stanza of a beloved poem, “Because I Could Not Stop for Death,” from memory.
Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.
Chappell’s love for literature and poetry came from his family, but he nurtured a natural interest in art. ”Art came easy for me,” he says.
Chappell graduated from college with a degree in art. He continues to read and traveled extensively to sate his appetite for learning. The classic Greek and Roman art and modern conceptual works don’t impress him much, but he admires nearly all other major art periods. He has visited fifty states and forty-five countries, exploring museums and galleries such as the Louvre in Paris and Modern Museum of Modern Art in New York. Chappell does not simply spout information about an artist or period or poet. He offers a considered opinion and interpretation with the unassuming air of a friendly historian. ”I like the Renaissance, Pop Art by Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns, Baroque, and the Impressionists. Everyone likes Impressionism now, but back then, no one liked it. The artist started their own salons to exhibit work,” says Chappell.
When asked what living artist or poet he would like to meet, Chappell pauses, flips pages in a book of poetry, and thinks. He muses out loud, truly contemplating the weight of his choice, and finally rationalizes an answer with keen insight. “I might be surprised by somebody, but would probably be disappointed. There are not going to be as good as their work,” says Chappell. “Dickinson was a recluse. I would like to meet her though. If I was guaranteed that they’d be like I thought they’d be, then I’d want to meet them.”
Of course, there are no such guarantees in life or death. Chappell wrestles less with the next question that he proposes. If he could pick somebody to come back from the dead to meet again, who would it be? He answers with certainty and forethought, “My dad. He saw me as a brat. He died at 54 from a heart attack. I wished he could have seen what I have become. He would have been proud of me and this place,” says Chappell.
The admission is touching when it comes from this savvy businessman, family man, sports historian, and modest intellectual. Jim Chappell sees himself through a different prism than his loyal customers and a staff that wears commemorative shirts for the anniversary. He talks about his biggest regrets even when seemingly surrounded by the trappings of success.
“I didn’t take more chances. When I took a big chance like opening this place, I succeeded,” says Chappell, gauging one measure of his life. “I’ve always taken the safe route. It’s a fear of failure. I still have it when I think about doing something else. It’s kind of odd because everyone sees me as successful. The truth is, no one sees himself as successful. I’ve done a lot, I guess.”
This last remark is an understatement, depending on how one looks at life. He jokes about his marriage of forty years being an accomplishment for his wife. Chappell is proud of his two daughters. He has served as chairman or member of numerous boards and commissions in politics, arts, and banking. He can rattle off a list of celebrities that he has met in this line of work––sports greats like George Brett, Joe Montana, Marcus Allen, Brooks Robinson; the artist Leroy Nieman; country music star Vince Gill; and countless state and local politicians that come through and shake hands with customers.
Chappell’s is the kind of place where athletes and aesthetes and politicians can cross paths with everyday folk. The restaurant owner still enjoys giving young kids a piece of memorabilia, like a signed foam baseball, to take home, only to see them come back as a grown adult, introduce themselves, and say, “I remember when…”
Statistics and signed baseballs tell only part of the story in sports. Similarly, the living legacy of Jim Chappell is not easy to distill based on the colorful confines of his famous restaurant, the rankings as one of the top sports bars in the country, or the collective memories of his friends and patrons.
Chappell cites a poem by John Donne, Death Be Not Proud, as another one of his favorites that discusses how not to be afraid of death. The selection seems to reflect an important characteristic about this man. Despite his self-portrayal as someone that didn’t take more chances, a more fitting emphasis is his willingness to seek opportunities – in art, literature, travel, sport, politics, business, and family – as a champion of life.
SALE OF CHAPPELL'S RESTAURANT & SPORTS MUSEUM
Jim sold Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum in 2018 to David M. Block, a renown commercial real estate developer and broker. Although Jim sold the restaurant, he still remains extremely active and involved with the restaurant. You can find him there chatting with customers and giving tours of the memorabilia on almost a daily basis.
Jim sold Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum in 2018 to David M. Block, a renown commercial real estate developer and broker. Although Jim sold the restaurant, he still remains extremely active and involved with the restaurant. You can find him there chatting with customers and giving tours of the memorabilia on almost a daily basis.