James E. "Jim" Chavis, Sr.

Surrounded by loving family, Jim Chavis, 51, peacefully entered into Heaven on Monday, May 25, 2015. He had been recently diagnosed with cancer. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Jim was the son of the late Jack C. Chavis Sr. and the late Elizabeth S. Chavis. His family relocated to Houston County and he attended Warner Robins High School. In 1999, Jim met the love of his life, Toni Floyd. The following year, he proposed and they were wed on December 31st, 2000, thus beginning a love story that inspired everyone who knew them. Jim was employed for many years at Brown and Williamson, where he was known affectionately as "Alabama". He served for several years as the Park Grounds Superintendent at Magnolia Park Cemetery, a position for which he had intense passion. He touched numerous families in the way he dedicated himself to the care of the resting places of their loved ones. At the time of his passing, Jim was employed as a Tool and Parts Attendant in the 562nd AMXS and the C-17 Division at Robins Air Force Base where he was also currently serving as an AFGE Shop Steward.

In Jim's life, there was nothing more important than his beloved family. He loved nothing so much as being with his wife, Toni, their children and spouses, and all of his adoring grandchildren. He had many hobbies, among them were riding his motorcycle, four-wheelers, golfing, hunting, salt-water fishing, and gun restoration. He enjoyed woodworking and made many unique walking sticks for friends and family members. Of special importance to Jim was his strong Native American heritage. He proudly maintained many of the customs and traditions that his ancestors before him had passed down and enthusiastically shared his knowledge with others. He had recently received a special honor and had been formally recognized as a Medicine Man by the Cherokee tribe. Equally important to Jim and a large part of his daily life was his spiritual walk with God. He was a member of Stone Creek Baptist Church in Dry Branch, where he was saved many years ago. Jim felt fully at peace in his final days and said that whether God left him here awhile longer or called him home, he would be "winning" because his relationship with God was strong and true.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his precious son, James E. "Jimmy" Chavis, Jr. and a brother, Jack C. Chavis, Jr.

Left here to treasure his unique legacy are his loving wife, Toni Chavis, Bonaire; children, Trisha Collins (Brian), Anchorage, Alaska; Amanda Fountain (Tommy), Dry Branch; Chip Jones (Tasha), Cochran; six beloved grandchildren: Bryce, Makayla and Madelyn Collins; T.J. and Trent Fountain; Mack Jones; brother, Lonnie Dear (Barbara), Ivey; sisters, Sharon Johnson (Jim); Linda Carmel; honorary brother and sister, Joseph and Laralyn Riverwind, Cherokee, NC; many nieces, nephews, and a legion of friends from near and far.

Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday evening, May 27, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at McCullough Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, May 28, 2015 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with interment following in Magnolia Park Cemetery. Pastor Mark Grinsted will officiate.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088