James, affectionately known as "Red", was born July 5, 1944 in Texarkana, Texas to the late Floyd Chatman and Evelyn Hawkins Chatman. He quietly entered eternal life on September 24, 2023, with his daughter (Daddy's Girl) and granddaughter by his side.

James accepted Christ at an early age at the Mt. Dell Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas and attended Macedonia High School. He loved doing mechanical work. Once he retired and became disabled, fishing became his favorite hobby. James was the most loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, Pawpaw, brother, uncle and friend one could ask for.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Annie of 60 years, son, Thurman "Buck" Chatman, brother, Lonzell Chatman, and grandson, Reginald Ware Jr.

Left to cherish his precious memories are:
Daughters: Sharon (Reginald) Ware, Wake Village, Texas
Beatrice Chatman, Oakland, California
Brothers: Charles Chatman, Texarkana, Texas
Jimmy (Bonnie) Harris, Texarkana, Texas
Granddaughters: Shameka Chatman, Texarkana, Texas
LaKendra Washington, Prosper, Texas
Grandson: Emmett Chatman, Texarkana, Texas
Great-granddaughters: Kendall Washington, Prosper, Texas
Keely Washington, Prosper, Texas
Great-grandsons: Rayden Ware, Texarkana, Arkansas
Rylan Ware, Texarkana, Arkansas
Reginald Ware III, Texarkana, Texas
Special Cousins: Margaret Young, Texarkana, Texas
George Walker, New Boston, Texas
Dennis "Dank" Banks, Texarkana, Texas
as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.