His skills with radios and Morse code shaped his military service during the Vietnam War, where his expertise led to an assignment to South Korea. When James returned to the US, he embarked on a career with General Electric and RCA, contributing to satellite and horizon radar projects.
Throughout his career, James engaged in diverse professional pursuits. He ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing his own successful telecommunications company and gaining experience in the mortgage industry. His career came full circle when he joined Prince William County Radio Services, where he worked on radio systems for the fire and police departments.
1970. Jim had a General license.
1977. Jim had an Advanced license.
1978. WD4AYC New call sign. Jim lived in Herndon, VA.
1994. KQ4NR New call sign
Sometime after 1997 Jim upgraded to an Amateur Extra License.
Sometime after 1997 and before 2002, Jim changed his call sign to AF4MO.
He was very active until the early 2000's..
He participated in Field Day and the nighttime SSB operator. He would show up around dusk, work the radio all night and leave after sunrise in the morning. He heavily contributed to SPARC's high club scores during those years.
He also was a letter manager for the 4th Call Area 2-Letter Prefix Incoming QSL Bureau.
June 2002. Jim at Field Day.
June 2004. Jim operating the Phone station during field day at park view high school.
June 2006: Jim operating the phone station at night.
June 2007: Jim operating the phone station.
June 2008 The 4th Call Area 2 Letter Prefix Incoming QSL ARRL Bureau table at the hamfest is manned by Jim Chappell, AF4MO, and Ray Mullins, KD4RSL
June 2010: Jim at the Manassas Hamfest during the Virginia QSO Party awards ceremony.
June 2011: Jim presenting a plaque for the Virginia QSO Party.
June 2014: Jim at the Manassas Hamfest.
August 2015: Jim at the SPARC Annual Pizza Party.
June 2016 Jim in the middle facing the camera at the 2016 Virginia QSO Party awards ceremony.
June 2019: Jim presenting plaques at the Virginia QSO Party awards ceremony. Probably the last picture we have of Jim.