James Robert "Big Jim" Chipman, Sr., 58, of Franklin, passed away Monday, January 28, 2013.

Born in Rising Sun, IN, he was the son of the late Robert Lewis Chipman and Joyce Jean Tuthill Chipman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Ashley Sabo and Karsten Joseph Chipman. Jim was a US Air Force Veteran and served during the Vietnam War. He owned and operated Appalachian RV Center for 17 years. He was a member of Longview Baptist Church and attended Mashburn Branch Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cynthia "Cindy" Ann Chipman; eight children, Colleen Dougherty of Palmer, AK, Brenda Varner of Cocoa, FL, Kelly Sabo of Cocoa, FL, Crystal Elkins of Titusville, FL, Bobbie Jo McClure, Tony Chipman, Jimmy Chipman and Breanna Chipman all of Franklin; seven sisters; seventeen grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 2nd, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Wiley Gibson will officiate. Burial will be in Longview Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Adam Ramsdell, Tony Chipman, David Blanton, Isaac Gibson, Jonathan Taylor and Charlie Vargas. Jimmy Chipman, Dave Elkins and Jeff Wright will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Lewis Rathbun Wellness Center, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com