James Thomas Chaffin

Memorial services for James Thomas Chaffin, 80, was held Saturday, July 8 in the chapel of Jordan Funeral Home. The Rev. Dewey Fisher officiated.

He died Sunday, July 2 at his residence in Atlanta.

Mr. Chaffin was a native of Jasper County born to the late John Thomas Chaffin and Capie Gladys Stone Chaffin.

In 1942, James attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. During World War II, he served as a merchant marine midshipman. After a German U-boat sank the SS Fort Lee, the tanker on which he was serving, he spent two weeks in a lifeboat before being rescued.

After the war, he moved to Atlanta where he worked as an insurance representative for Metropolitan for 35 years. He also worked for the Georgia Department of Agriculture for eight years.

He was a member of the Masters Lodge #295 in Decatur and the Clairmont Hills Baptist Church in Decatur.

His brother, Allen F. Chaffin, Sr., preceded him in death 11 years ago.

Survivors include his wife, Martha “Teeny” Burch Chaffin of Atlanta; and sons and daughter-in-law, J. Thomas, Jr. and Margareta Larsson-Chaffin, and Robert Burch Chaffin, all of Atlanta.
The family suggests donations to the Jasper County Humane Society, P.O. Box 463, Monticello, Ga. 31064.

Jordan Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.