CHATMAN, James Kirk 1956-2011

HEFTY, CHATMAN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 7/5/2011 at 20:20:31

James Kirk "Jim" Chatman

Private graveside inurnment services were held in the Osage Cemetery for James (Jim) K. Chatman, age 46, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and formerly of Osage. Jim and his daughter, Crystal Tuggle, had been missing since June 20, 2002, when they went hiking in the El Malpais National Monument near Albuquerque. The remains of Jim and Crystal were found in the El Malpais area in September 2010.

Jim was born June 16, 1956, in Osage, the son of Ben F. and Alma (Hefty) Chatman. He was baptized and confirmed in the United Church of Christ in Osage. Jim graduated from Osage High School in 1975, and received a degree from the Missouri Institute of Technology in Kansas City. He worked in Pascagoula, Mississippi; Rochester, Minnesota; and then Albuquerque for the last fifteen years of his life.

As he was growing up in Osage, Jim enjoyed hiking, camping, and taking photographs and videos of his family and friends. He was an active member of the United Church of Christ and sang in the choir with his family. After moving to Albuquerque in 1986, Jim joined the Heritage Christian Fellowship Church with his daughter and both were active members for many years. Jim continued his love of hiking and photography until his death.

Jim is survived by his mother, Alma Chatman of Osage; three sisters, Silvia (Fred) Thull of Las Vegas, Nevada, and their children, Sara and Stephanie; Dianna Toscano of Palm Harbor, Florida, and her children, Darin, Tara, and Melissa; Jennifer (Mark) Magnuson of Isanti, Minnesota, and their children, Tyler, Elissa, and Alex; and a brother, Ben C. (Doreen) Chatman of Polk City, Iowa, and their children, Kirsten, Matthew, and Andrew. He is also survived by numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ben F. Chatman; his daughter Crystal Tuggle; his paternal grandparents, Frank and Nellie Chatman; and his maternal grandparents, Henry and Mildred Hefty.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage helped coordinate the arrangements with officials in Albuquerque and the family appreciates their professional help and guidance. Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneral home.com or at (641) 732-3706.

[ Mitchell County Press, 7/5/2011 ]