John Chatham

1922 - 2017

John N. Chatham

April 19, 1922 - February 23, 2017

Durham

John Nathaniel Chatham, 94, died at his home in Durham of natural causes.

John was born 4/19/1922, with twinkling blue eyes, to the late Coy and Sadie Chatham of Durham. He attended primary school in Durham and high school in Richmond, VA. John served as a Marine Corps Master Sergeant in the South Pacific during WWII. He returned to the Triangle after the war and attended UNC-CH, graduating in 1950 with a BS in Business.

He was an Independent Insurance Agent by profession, working at Durham Realty and later Southland Associates. He served as the president of the Independent Insurance Agents of NC from 1972-1973. His civic activities, in earlier years, included the Durham Jaycees and the Elks Club.

John moved into his retirement with optimism and a love of life. His generosity of spirit was evident at St Philips Episcopal Church, where he previously served on the vestry and currently helped with the documentation of donations.

He enjoyed reading books, traveling and UNC Tar Heel sports. Until a recent fall, he had attended the Silver Sneakers exercise class 3 days a week. He was a devoted family man. John was married for 61 years to Hilda Harte Chatham, up until her death in 2012. He was adored and admired by his daughters, Nancy Jo Chatham, Susan K. Chatham of Durham and Denise Chatham of Baltimore, MD. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Adam (Tina) Crandell, Katy Mims & his great-grandchildren Elliott and Chatham Anne Crandell.

A memorial service will be performed by the Rev. Jonah Kendall at St Philip's on Monday, March 6th at 10am. There will be a private interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park afterward.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made to the

Memorial Fund at St Philip's Church 403 E Main St, Durham, NC 27701

where John was a faithful member for over 65 years.