James Robert Chatham, 93, of McKenzie, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, August 14, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon.
Born Sunday, September 23, 1928, to Russell and Elizabeth Chatham in Crockett County, Mr. Chatham was a graduate of Humboldt High School and attended Union University. He founded Barnes & Chatham Insurance Agency in McKenzie and spent the last 25 years of his career as a real estate appraiser. Mr. Chatham loved to stay busy and kept working until the age of 90.
Mr. Chatham had a deep love for the gospel and his church community. He was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Humboldt, Tennessee, in 1953 and continued his service as a deacon at First Baptist Church in McKenzie. Very active in his church, he served as a Sunday School teacher for many years and loved to share the love of Christ with others. Mr. Chatham also served on the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and participated in international missions.
Mr. Chatham took great pride in his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years: Peggy Ladd Chatham. He is survived by his children: James Robert Chatham (Glenda), William Phillip Chatham (Diane), Cheryl Chatham Phelps (Jeff), and Charles Christopher Chatham (Kathy); his sister: Sarah Chatham Crim; grandchildren: Jamie Roche (Michael), Karen Bush (Heath), Anna McDonald (Ryan), Robert Chatham (Rebecca), Justin Chatham, Matt Phelps (Sandy), Courtney Amacher (Greg), Paige Osborne (Clark), Tyler Phelps (Peyton), Lucien, Lucas and Levi Chatham and Jordan, Jessie and Jenna Bohler; 13 great-grandchildren and other loving family.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his brother: Jerry and his sister: Betty.
Services for Mr. Chatham will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, McKenzie. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The service will also be live-streamed on the First Baptist Church website.
Dr. Dennis Trull and Dr. John Adams will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in McKenzie.