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James Chesnut Obituary
St. Petersburg, FL
Dr. Chesnut, James Stanley of St. Petersburg, passed peacefully December 11, 2018, at the age of 92. Stan enjoyed a long life of learning, teaching, traveling, sailing, and family. He graduated from Elk City High School, OK, attended Georgia School of Technology, University of Tulsa, McCormick Theological Seminary and Yale University, earning a Ph.D. in 1959 in Religion. Stan was an ordained minister and served as pastor for several Presbyterian churches including Ft. Trumbull Presbyterian Church, Milford, CT. His teaching career began in 1956 at the University of Tulsa, then moved to Florida Presbyterian College, now Eckerd College, from 1963 - 1990, where he was also Acting Provost and Dean of Faculty in the 1970s. In retirement, he continued to be active at Eckerd College in ASPEC, Friends of Eckerd College Library and the President's Collegium. Stan enjoyed research and writing and is a published author of theological articles, short stories, and books. St. Petersburg became his favorite place in the world while his studies and career took him around the world twice, he lived in Europe, Middle East, Hawaii, Mexico and his love of travel took him to dozens of countries and every state in the US. At age seven Stan began to dream of sailing and was able to fulfill his favorite avocation over his life. He was a member of Boca Ciega Yacht Club from 1968 - 1996 where he enjoyed cruises, competed winningly in regattas, becoming Commodore in 1977. Stan was an active member of The Nature Conservancy and the Florida Trail Association. Stan enjoyed sports, cycling, hiking, and music. He is predeceased by his first wife, Rowena, his second wife, Vlasta, his third wife, Carolyn and his brother, Wesley. Stan leaves a legacy of loving, devoted fatherhood to his four children, Stephen, David, Daniel and Theresa and will be dearly missed by his brother, Robert, extended family, friends, colleagues, and students. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a man of uncompromising principle, modesty, good humor and a life lead to its fullest.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to The Library of Eckerd College, The Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Chesnut
4 Entries
Thom Shuman
January 9, 2019
Dr. Chesnut was my freshman advisor when I arrived at Florida Presbyerian College, and later served as chair of my thesis committee. He was patient, kind, gentle, yet held students and himself to high standards. One of the best courses I had was the one he taught on the Old Testament prophets. May he be at peace in God's grace.
RCG Garlock
January 7, 2019
My condolences to the Chesnut family, had many good conversations with Stan.
JKH/JW
January 6, 2019
My sincerest condolences to the Chesnut Family for the loss of your loved one, James Stanley, and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.
Sandy Collum Sandmeyer
January 6, 2019
My sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of Professor Chesnut. I enjoyed my Old Testament class with him when I attended Eckerd College. He was a lovely man and world will be a sadder place without him.
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