James Allen Chatt

James Allen Chatt, 91, of Oakwood, IL passed away on January 26, 2014 in Hoopeston, IL at Heritage Health Care Center. He was born on February 16, 1922 in Veedersburg, IN, the son of Thomas James and Mabel (Ramsey) Chatt. He married Anita Jane Shroyer on August 31, 1952. She survives. He will be deeply missed by his wife Anita, daughter Melinda (Mark) Garfield of Oakwood, IL, son Jim (Pat) Chatt of Mesquite, TX, sister Lyle Chatt of Hillsboro, IN and brother Rod (Cecille) Chatt of North Hills, CA, brother-in-law, Jon (Barb) Shroyer of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren Timothy Pruitt of Oakwood, IL, Allen Chatt of Washington, DC, and Helen Chatt of Greensboro, NC, Marissa (Chris) Yocius of Danville, IL and Michael (Rebecca) Garfield of Kiln, Mississippi, nieces Donna (Louis) Glascock of Sullivan, IN, Nita Kay Hughes of Liverpool, IL, Kathy Sue (John) McCance of Cuba, IL, nephews, Steve Keene of Jacksonville, IL, Robert (Barb) Keene of Astoria, IL, and Dick (Marsha) Keene of Macomb, IL, Allen (Maureen) Shroyer of Milpitas, CA, and Thomas (George) Chatt and Andrew Chatt of the Los Angeles, CA, area and numerous great-grandchildren, great nieces and great-nephews. James was preceded in death by sisters Mary Harmless, Sara Johns, and Thelma Higgins, and brothers Lawrence, Ronald and John Chatt. Jim graduated from Veedersburg High School and joined the Army at start of World War II in the artillery. Along the way he picked up an appreciation of mules and cooking for an army. Out of the military, he worked as an agent for the Peoria & Eastern Railway. He was a long time teacher, guidance counselor and administrator, starting in Veedersburg, IN, overseas in Agana, Guam, in Jamaica, IL and ending his career as the superintendent of Rankin, IL, schools. He was a life-long learner, attending Indiana University and graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Agriculture and a Masters Degree in Education from Indiana State University and numerous teaching certifications at the University of Texas, Florida State University, Eastern Illinois University, University of Wyoming, and Bradley University. Jim was a 32nd degree mason and member of Lodge #385 in Hillsboro, IN, the Aloha Shrine Temple in Honolulu, HI, and the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a lifetime member of the National Education Association and Vermilion County Principals Association. In retirement, Jim and Anita traveled around the U.S. to Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Washington, and New England. Jim was a 50 year member of the Oakwood Christian Church, serving as an elder and board member. The family wishes to extend thanks to the staff of Heritage Health Hoopeston and Iroquois Memorial Hospice. A celebration of Jims life will be held on Friday, January 31, 2014 at Oakwood Christian Church at 206 Scott Street Oakwood, IL 61858 at 3:00 PM with Pastor Dave Birch officiating. A visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will take place at a later date. Memorials can be made in Jims name to the Oakwood Christian Church. Please join Jims family in sharing photos, videos and memories of him through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com