James Charles Chastain, 86, better known as “Jimmy” and “Dooley,” of Carlton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Piedmont Athens Regional in Athens.
Jimmy was born in Anderson, South Carolina, on May 2, 1938, to James Carl Chastain and Sara Fannie Brooks Chastain.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two children: Brian Keith Chastain of Mt. Washington, Kentucky, and Regina Carole Chastain of Stockbridge, Georgia, and two brothers: Robert Chastain of Danielsville, Georgia, and Thomas “Tommy” Chastain of Belton, South Carolina.
After graduating from Madison County High School in Danielsville, Georgia, class of 1956, Jimmy enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 20 and entered active duty on May 16, 1958.
Jimmy served his country honorably for four years and was discharged from service on July 30, 1962. During his service in the U.S. Navy, Jimmy married the love of his life, Linda Clementine Johnson, on Feb. 24, 1959.
After Jimmy’s service in the U.S. Navy, he worked for Ford Motor Company in Hapeville, Georgia, for 30 years. After retiring from Ford Motor Company in 1995, Jimmy and Linda remained in Henry County until they returned to Oglethorpe County, Linda’s homeplace, in 2020 to reside with their daughter, Susan, and her husband, Garry Shaw.
Jimmy leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Linda Johnson Chastain; one daughter, Susan (Garry) Shaw of Carlton, Georgia; six grandchildren: Adrian (Andrew) Mitchell of Sharpsburg, Georgia, Keith Chastain of Stockbridge, Georgia, Ashley (Jared) Moon of Gainesville, Georgia, Jennifer (Josh) Johns of Comer, Georgia, Ryan (Kirsten) Chastain of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Brandon (Victoria) Chastain of Social Circle, Georgia; 13 great-grandchildren, and one on the way; three sisters: Sylvia (David) Jones of Mauldin, South Carolina, Jane Porterfield of Danielsville, and Sue Chastain of Danielsville, Georgia; sister in law, LaNelle Chastain of Belton, South Carolina; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends. He will be greatly missed by all.
The family invites you to celebrate Jimmy’s life with them at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, graveside at Elmhurst Cemetery in Elberton. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy.
Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.
Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements.