James Leon Chambers

James L. Chambers, 74, of New Kensington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 16, 2017. He was born March 26, 1943 in New Kensington, a son of the late James & Catherine Chambers Hill, graduated from Plum High School, and served eight years with the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he received two Air Force Commendation Medals for heroic service in Vietnam. Jim was Chief of Police in New Kensington from 1987 until 1993.  He was the first Black Chief in New Kensington and one of the first in Western Pennsylvania.  He brought integrity and respect to the office of Chief. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Wilda Chambers; children, James L. (Andrea) Chambers, Jr. of New Kensington and Tasha Harris and Tabitha (Mark) Tranum, both of Keyser, WV; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Chambers Kemp; and a brother, Rudolph Chambers. Viewing will be Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM in ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington.  A funeral service will be held Friday at 11 AM by Rev. Harold Mele, in Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 1150 Asa W. Roberts Blvd. (Fourth Avenue), New Kensington.  Anyone attending the service is asked to go directly to the church.  Burial with military honors accorded by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard, will follow in Union Cemetery, Arnold.  The Fraternal Order of Police will assemble in the funeral home Thursday at 7PM to honor their late member.  To leave an online condolence visit www.rossgwalker.com

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