James ‘Jim’ Durwood Chatham
James “Jim” Durwood Chatham, of Mexia, passed away March 24, 2019, in Groesbeck at the age of 91. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, April 4, at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow in the Stranger Cemetery. Erik Addy, Jason Carroll, Danny Martinez, Michael Krumnow, James Anderson, and Micah Anderson will serve as pallbearers.
Visitation with the family will begin prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m.
Jim was born Feb. 4, 1928, in Reagan, Falls County, to Durwood Dero and Esther Williams Chatham. He served in the Army from September 1950 – August 1952 and attended the Army Ordnance School. He was later stationed in southern Germany and received the Army Occupation Medal. He worked as an electrician for Sinclair/ ARCO for 37 years, retiring in 1985. He grew up as a rancher and maintained his love and care for cattle in partnership with his brother “Billy” as the “Chatham Brothers” operation until his death.
Jim married Virginia Rae Hoke in Lubbock, Texas on July 31, 1951; they were blessed with two children, James R. “Randy” and Carol. He and his family moved to Mexia (TX) on July 4, 1968. He was a strong man of influence in his family and was loved by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ranching was more than a business—it was a passion and hobby that provided an outlet for his constant mechanical tinkering and equipment repairs. He enjoyed fishing and catfish fries with family.
Jim always had a way of leaving an impression. At first, it was one of seriousness until you experienced his warm and humorous heart. He attended the Baptist Church in Stranger (TX) during his early years but seldom expressed his faith openly. Rather, he expressed his commitment to God by loving and helping others; he later shared his faith with his son. Everyone who knew him has a “Jim Chatham story.”
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 65 years, Virginia Chatham, and granddaughter, Jenny Chatham.
Jim is survived by his children James R. Chatham and wife, Jana L. of Fontana, CA; daughter, Carol Addy of Grapevine, TX; grandsons, Chad Addy of South Lake, and Erik Addy of Grapevine, granddaughters, Elizabeth Addy of Flower Mound and Julie Carroll of Canyon Lake; and great grandchildren, Asher, Rylen and Hudson Martinez and Addison, Luke, Penny and Natalie Carroll, brother William “Billy” Chatham of Kosse, and sister Rebecca “Becky” Krumnow and husband Larry of Madisonville.
Please visit www.blairstubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guest book.
