James George Chakeres

1932 - 2022

JAMES GEORGE CHAKERES
James George Chakeres, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Fe on July 25 surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.
Born at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. on November 5, 1932, "Jimmy" was the youngest of three children born to George and Adamantia Chakeres. He excelled in school, skipping two grades, and graduated from Roosevelt High School as the class president and a letterman in football, baseball, and track and field.
Jim attended college and law school night classes while working at the family restaurant. He completed his studies at the Washington College of Law and passed the District of Columbia Bar at age 21, beginning a 55-year career as an attorney. He always said that he loved practicing law because he enjoyed helping others. His primary areas of practice were worker's compensation and personal injury. Additionally, Jim served as an officer in the United States Navy, first in active duty and then in the Navy Reserves, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain. His service included tours in the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa.
Jim married Pauline Annette Mian in 1975, and they moved to Santa Fe in 1979, where they raised three boys on strong principles, love, and playfulness. Jim was known for never missing an occasion or athletic event of one of his sons, regardless of how far afield the event took him.
Jim was also deeply devoted to his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed sharing with them his love of tennis and sailing, taking them to concerts and other events, and following their athletic exploits and professional careers. He was a beloved and proud father, uncle, and grandfather.
Jim loved his family, straight-ahead jazz, tennis, the Stoics, early modern poetry, traveling, fine dining, and looking up uncommon words in the dictionary. He was known for his generosity, stories, "antique" cars, lists (you'd never guess the most important things to have in a kitchen or a car…), big laugh, and fiercely competitive yet fun-loving personality.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Pauline. He is survived by his sisters Pauline Demas and Anita Savides. He is also survived by his sons and their spouses: Chris & Sheena, Nat & Almea, and Jon & Jeralee. Finally, he is survived by his four beloved grandchildren: Aristide, Mian, Everett, and River.
The family would like to thank the loving and dedicated workers at Helping Hands, Ambercare Hospice, and Brookdale Santa Fe for the skilled and compassionate care they provided to Jim in his final years. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the charity of your choice in Jim's memory.