Walter James 'Jim' Chatham Jr., 49

LAKE CITY, Fla. - Walter James "Jim" Chatham Jr., a resident of Lake City, passed away Monday, April 28, 2008, in Lexington, Ky., after an accident on Friday, April 7, 2008. He was 49.

Jim was born June 25, 1958, in Wilmington, Del., to Walter James Chatham Sr. and Grace Hannah Kent.

He spent his early childhood growing up in Chester County, Pa., moving to Kent County, Del., as a young adolescent.

He attended W.T. Chipman Elementary and Junior High School and Lake Forest High School.

Jim especially enjoyed sports, particularly football.

He spent many years following high school pursuing various careers, such as mechanic, welder and truck driver, eventually working with thoroughbred horses. He was employed with several top trainers within the industry. Jim was considered by many as a natural with horses. He truly understood them and many times worked wonders with horses which many considered difficult.

Many of his friends and family still reside in Harrington, Del., and surrounding counties.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter James Chatham; a sister, Mary Shippen Chatham, twin to Caroline; and his younger sister, Margaret Goodwin Chatham.

Jim is survived by his mother, Grace K. Marlin of Lake City; his oldest sister, Caroline Watts Chatham of Lake City; aunts and uncles, Robert and Virginia Kent Evers of Dover, Del., Dr. Fredrick and Mary Kent Duncan of New Hampshire and Sam Kent of Lake City; and paternal uncles, John Hall Chatham, Richard Aflin Chatham and Edward Shippen Chatham and their families.

Services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements by McKnatt, Carpenter & Baker Funeral Home, Harrington.