James Clayton "Jim" Chamblee

Jim Chamblee passed peacefully from this life on May 25, 2025 at the age of 96. Visitation will be Friday, May 30 from 11am-2pm at Chaddick Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Friday, May 30 at 2pm at Chaddick Funeral Home. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

A resident of Leesville, Louisiana and formerly of DeRidder, Louisiana. Mr. Chamblee is preceded in death by his wife, Merrell Chamblee; parents, Annie and G.W. Chamblee; and siblings, Alice and Wilma.

Jim is survived by his sister, Ona Mae Magee; children, Arlene Brooks of Rosepine, LA, Helen Yielding of DeRidder, LA, Michael Chamblee of DeRidder, LA, and Carolyn Long of Vancouver, WA; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Jim greatly enjoyed traveling to bluegrass festivals, riding his motorcycles and ATVs, fixing anything with a motor, and mowing grass. Jim was accompanied on many of these activities first by his devoted wife Merrell and then by his partner Else Rush, who gave him much love and comfort as he passed into the last years of his long life.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. A man of few words and many good deeds, Jim was a steady and calming presence to his family who knew they had his unconditional love and support until the last day of his life. He will be greatly missed.

Condolences can be made at chaddickfuneralhome.com