James Chasteen

James Wesley Chasteen, 90, was called home to be with the Lord on July 17, 2018. Born on July 13, 1928 in Lake City, Florida, Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He dearly missed his wife, Carolyn Chasteen, after she passed away September 18, 2010. As a wonderful father, he unconditionally loved and supported his four children through all seasons, successes and failures. With his family always a high priority, Jim especially loved and enjoyed his 13 grandchildren living in Florida, Kansas and North Carolina.
Jim was loving, caring, talented, and entrepreneurial. He grew up on a farm in Lake City, Florida. At an early age he discovered his love for music and soon others noticed his incredible voice as a soloist. After high school Jim attended Hardin-Simmons University in Texas on a music scholarship. He met and married his wife, Carolyn Kincaid, in Bessemer City, NC. A few years later, with his wife and two children, he moved to Washington, D.C to begin a piano tuning and repair business. During his time in Washington, Jim had the honor of performing the National Anthem as a soloist for the NFL Washington Redskins for nearly a decade. After one Anthem performance, famed NFL announcer, Brent Musburger, stated “That is the best of I have heard the National Anthem sung.” His children and family still cherish the fond memories of the powerful worship solos he often sang at church services. After two decades in DC, Jim and Carolyn returned to his hometown in Lake City to own and operate the Magnolia Barbeque. Jim continued performing as a soloist in church, the Olustee Festival, weddings and many other special events in Lake City for over two decades.

He is survived by his children Toni Chasteen (Billy) Weissend, Todd (Kim) Chasteen, Brad (Katherine) Chasteen and Matthew (Jennifer) Chasteen. He was the beloved grandfather of 13: Beau Weissend; Jesse Chasteen; Jake Chasteen; Tucker Chasteen; McKenzie Chasteen; Cody Chasteen; Jordan Chasteen; Dawson Chasteen; Kaicie Chasteen; Milla Chasteen; Moss Chasteen; Carolyn Reece Chasteen; Emy Chasteen and great-grandson Karson Weissend.

His four children always knew he loved them and his bear hugs and warm embrace will always be cherished. He was able to operate his businesses alongside all three of his sons at different times producing special lessons and memories. He dearly loved his brothers Harry and Robert and his sister Norma. In his early years, he had a love for flying, fishing and boating, and his hobbies included singing, square dancing and attending his children's many sporting events. His passions included rooting for the Washington Redskins and the Florida Gators, and spending time with wife, children and grandchildren. During his years in Lake City, he placed his faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and served his church faithfully in music ministry.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Manny Plimpton Chasteen, Annie Laura Pilgrim and stepmother Marion Chasteen, his wife, Carolyn Kincaid Chasteen, and brother Harry Chasteen. He is survived by his sister Norma Wike, and brother Robert (Emmie) Chasteen. His surviving in-laws are Tina Chasteen, Emmie Chasteen, Bill (Ernie) Kincaid, Kenny Kincaid, Ronnie (Kathryn) Kincaid, Jane (Jamie) Washam, and Penny Williams. Jim was also survived by and loved by over two dozen nephews and nieces, including Denise Rhoades who was like a second daughter to him.
In gratitude of the wonderful staff at Haven Hospice, the family requests donations be made in Jim’s honor to Haven Hospice in North Florida at www.beyourhaven.org.