Jim may be gone but he is never forgotten. So many of us still cannot believe you are no longer here., Jim. May your spirit be kite boarding in peace and comfort.

Jim and I hired a guide to backpack The Lost City Trek in Colombia. Our wonderful guide Bayron planted a tree today on the trail in memory and honor of Jim.  I am sure Jim’s tree will grow strong.

In 2009, I worked with Jim to get Exterior Concepts building in Buford, GA on the National Register of Historic Places. The building once was the city of Buford's Public School Auditorium. Jim helped make it happen! Buford Public School Auditorium, National Register Information System ID:09000586. Jim touch many lives and accomplished so much. I am so sorry that I missed his last phone to me.  I was on his dialing list when he was doing a long drive, I would get a call and get updated on all his adventures. I did return his call, but just got voicemail.

Jim paid a local to carry his water. It was not that Jim could not carry his own water. He wanted to support the locals in his own unique way.

Jim and I went to find The Lost City Ruins in Colombian Jungle. What an experience we had. We stayed in the area of local tribes changing camp everyday. We were drenched from the high humidity and heat. We were eaten up by the local insects but enjoyed every minute of the adventure. We had to cross a river in a contraption build by the tribes. Jim loved this. We finally made it to the Lost City after a couple of days hiking in the jungle.  We were told to leave all our worries at the ruins of The Lost City. That is exactly what we did.

Jim was excited to backpack with me in The Wind River. This is at the beginning of the trail. After a few days we were exhausted.  Jim got tired of hearing me chat after 2 days. He put in his earbuds and blasted the Gypsy Kings. Jim later went on to challenge my music knowledge. We played guess this song in 5 seconds. We had a blast.

A few of Jim’s outdoor buddies are having a memorial dinner on January 16th. We will be sharing our memories of Jim. So many great memories. We are all truly saddened that we did not get to say goodbye to our dear and loved friend.

I have been super sad to hear of Jim’s passing.  Some of Jim’s outdoor adventure friends became worried that Jim was not responding to our messages. We all just found out about his passing. I have shared many great adventures with Jim. He will be greatly missed. My heart is hurting.

Warm thoughts and sympathy during your reflections of Jim's adventurous life.

I think the thing that Jim climbed into was supposed to ride these inclines.

Ever the paddler, Jim on his serious racing machine built for Pacific Ocean waves.

He was patient teaching people is hobbies.  After providing instruction, he was always ready to take on some serious competition or practice.

Jim showing how it's done!  He was great at paddleboarding just as he was great at so many sports.

Me, I was game for touring light houses and WATCHING the kite boarding. So glad that Jim had a blast soaring above the Atlantic.

This is the venue where Jim got up in the crack of dawn to go Kite boarding. The weather conditions had to be just right in order to become a human kite flying over the Atlantic Ocean.

Jim flashing his famous grin, when enjoying his adventures.

Amazing Jim still had energy after kite boarding to go tour light houses along Outer Banks.

Met James in the deep Amazon River Peacock Bass fishing. We had to take a float plane in to meet up with the outfielder. The picture is one of many group dinners we had together. 
James enjoyed a zest for life that most don’t get to experience. You will be missed…….
Doug C

I came into Jim’s life only 5 months ago - therefore my message is mainly work based ! Jim impacted my life because he was a dreamer! I’m sad that I cannot find the pictures we took together from my birthday lunch ( our birthdays were just 2weeks apart)  - but I blog as a hobby and happen to have some positive reflections  from work right before  Jim passed. Here is  some footage of our home base  Exterior Concepts -

From  seeing the stories and pictures I could see he definitely was larger than life ! 

I came into the company hitting the ground running! I spent long days  nights of helping to figure out how to keep up with the growth Jim had experienced  - 

 The nature  of our work relationship - I was someone who Jim was growing to learn and trust - and vice versa !  We had many difficult straight forward discussions - but we also had lots of fun times in the office ! 

 We never gave up on fighting for Exterior Concepts - even bringing in consultants and experts as it brought Jim a peace of mind .

As you all know he was a big picture guy and  the details were very stressful for him .  Honorably Jim saw I was truly giving my all and was really apologetic and grateful for the work I was putting in. There were so many moving parts - and a lot of stress - but I’m glad we were able to put the stress aside for a moment and I was one of the few people who got one last hug from Jim ! 

His funny stories will be missed ! We had many things in common - such as the creative arts and the love of culture - but the biggest was, we are both the type to have big dreams of enterprise so we can go experience life and touch those around us with  positive energy and enlightenment ! 

-to JC from me 


Row your boat gently down the stream -  Merrily as life is but a dream!

An unanticipated occurrence is how so many things can remind me of Jim. He enjoyed nice places to eat and would enjoy experimenting. 

We both tried out this wine when I lived in Atlanta. We were pleasantly surprised at how much we liked it. I had forgotten about the time we tried this until I ran across this product in World Market a few days before the time of writing. I do not remember the restaurant where we tried this out, but do recall it was near Ashwoid Dunwoody.

Dear Family and Friends of Jim Chaffin,

There are no words that can adequately express how sorry I am for your loss.  

The world could really use more people like Jim Chaffin, and his passing leaves a huge hole in the world and in many of our hearts. 

After 20+ years of being blessed to have known Jim, one of my dearest friends, it is hard to know where to begin in sharing how much he meant to me and so many others.  I have shed seemingly endless tears after learning of his passing, and I pray he somehow knew how special and precious he was to so many.

Since photos dating well back to the early 2000’s, preceding the smartphone age, are drowned in my storage unit, I selected a few graphics to help describe what a great man he was in the "Share a Memory" section.

As one person wrote, "I wouldn't be the person  I am without Jim," I, too, can say that I am so fortunate to have been among his many friends and admirers and will never be the same for having known him.  Few people make such a positive impact on so many lives. In honor of his life, I will continue to be inspired by his example and recommendations.

In time, may the inspiration of James Douglas Chaffin's life and the loving concern Jim had for you, warm your hearts and comfort you.

Sincerely,
Robyn C.

On a random chance meeting during a trip to South Africa, I committed to building a recreation center in Limpopo. This lit up Jim, and he insisted on having some oversight in this charitable endeavor. 

He also imparted his wisdom to me on turning life's lemons into lemonade, sharing his own journey on how and why he became a company owner. He shared his journey when we first met, and we remained friends ever since.

Jim the Comedian: Jim had GREAT humor. Our times together were often filled with laughter, especially when he spun funny tales or shared his hilarious observations about life.  Most times I cried laughter tears were the result of his tales. 

When I told him that after going round the world solo, it was ok that he didn't have to watch me to make sure I reached my car safely, he imitated me putting my hands on my hips and telling him how I went around the world by myself so I could probably walk across the street solo without his protective, watchful gaze. Oh my goodness, what a funny rendition of me he performed!  I am confident I looked and sounded as ridiculous as his imitation of me, and we laughed and laughed about it even years later.

Jim was always sharing insights about domestic and world affairs. This note references his interest in political debates.

In addition to the articles he'd send me regarding world affairs, he also liked to send articles on issues that might impact our personal finances, like current events' impacts on the U.S. dollar.

I learned so much from talking to him about things he read and learned. He inspired me to take positive actions in various areas of my life, and I feel very blessed to have known him.

This is one of many emails where Jim is sharing plans to do something nice for a friend.  

Jim celebrated friends' milestones - marriages, moves, etc., supported them through challenges, cared for injured and ill friends. 

Jim also created a welcoming haven for his future grandchildren. He cherished the idea of making lasting memories with them. His heart swelled with pride as he spoke of his children's achievements, and he humorously predicted the arrival of his first grandchild, stating, "I think I smell grandchildren" and later his first grandchild arrived, and she looked a lot like Jim.

Jim, my dear friend, your absence weighs heavily on my heart. I'll forever yearn to hear your greeting, "So, West Coast, what's up?" Since learning of your passing, my tears have been seemingly endless. Your departure felt premature, yet I'm eternally grateful to have shared this planet with your radiant soul. I hope you and yours know what an impact you made on our lives and how much we loved you.  Rest in peace and power, dear Jim.

Jim was always finding ways for his friends to connect. He was so wise to prioritize precious moments.

In December 2019, it was 5 months after I started a new job on the West Coast, and I was concerned about getting back. Jim convinced me to stay in Atlanta longer so he could host us at his home for dinner, foretelling the eventual scattering (moves) of our friends. Now two persons in this photo are no longer with us.  We reveled in Jim's company, marveled at his home renovations, and admired him and his artistic creations. I am grateful I heeded his advice, because indeed this was that last time this group would ever be together.  This is the "serious" photo, there is another photo in this same room at Jim's place where we are making funny faces.

Jim, Lover of People and Culture: Jim had friends in the U.S. and abroad, and from many different circles. During one memorable Chinese New Year celebration, featuring a dance performance and Dim Sum on Buford Highway, Jim showcased his chopstick prowess.  He often shared with me articles on global economics, consumerism, and on American policies affecting emerging nations.  I will never forget the holiday meal he had where he told me, “You know what was cool? We had Buddhists, Christians, all types of people here at my place gathered for a holiday meal.”  A testament to his love for people regardless of race or culture.

I was devastated by you loss- for the first time in 8 years, on Friday 9/1 I woke with no purpose. No  jobs to run, no plans to bid, no call from you as I had received every day since I started at Exterior Concepts. Your passing shook me to my core, boss.  I learned so much from you jim, so much in fact that I wouldn’t be the man I am today without your guidance. We fought, we argued, we rarely would see eye to eye, but after hours we were friends, you were like a dad to me in so many ways. What I wouldn’t give to hear one more “Hey Guy” on the other side of that phone call. I will forever do what I can to honor you, and all the knowledge and wisdom you shared. Till we meet again, I love you boss man.

The staff of Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the Chaffin Family. We would like to thank you for entrusting the care of your loved one into our hands. Please remember you are not alone and we will always be here for you.

I am so saddened to hear that Jim has passed. He took stone sculpture with me for years. Always a powerful positive energetic person who loved to excel at all things. He was a master of so many things…I remember working along side him in stone sculpture and his happiness as the forms emerged. We would talk about things we had done and things to come. Working creatively brings out your soul. I cannot image not hearing from him of his new pursuits and the excitement of accomplishing new adventures. He had such a vital life force. Jim was a one if a kind individual. A self made person who has accomplished so much in his life. I will miss him. I am sure my sorrow will be shared by many. Hugs to his family and friends.

Jim and I paddled the coast of Georgia in March 2021. It was a beautiful trip and Jim, of course, was a great adventure partner. He loved to be on the go. Spending the night in tents on a remote beach was so much fun. Here’s Jim next to a massive buoy! The trip took an unexpected turn when both of our kayaks broke: my rudder snapped and his dry hatch fell apart. But our enjoyment of the trip was never dampened. The last night we camped below an eagle’s nest. Forever memories.

Jim was an avid adventurer, world traveler and sports enthusiast and always had an adventure to share. In recent years he had focused on developing his artistic skills and making his home a place to entertain friends he had made during all of his trips and activities. He was always engaged with whomever he was interacting with and loved to bring people together whether for a meal or for some competitive event. I have wonderful memories of competing in dragon boat races at Lake Lanier and practicing and racing outrigger canoes at Lake Lanier and Clearwater, Fl.
No stranger to hard work, we spent one summer building his greenhouse and polo field. He was always envisioning hosting events and bringing people together. 
Jim always had an art project in the works and was always hands on in learning new skills to work with various materials.
He will be remembered and missed by many who were fortunate enough to have shared in his adventures.

Wow, it's hard to believe that Jim is not with us anymore. What an exciting and amicable friend he was; always up for something fun and new, and always challenging us to join him in some exciting escapade. Jim bought an outrigger and built a team to take to Hawaii to compete, taking on a significant amount of the cost himself. He joined the Atlanta Canoe Club's Dragon Boat team at lake Lanier and helped lead us to victory. He was always looking for someone to travel with him. He traveled to something like 40 countries. He rode his bicycle across the Continental US. He loved to race and was a fierce competitor.  Jim will be missed and will live on in our memory for many years!

OBITUARY

James Douglas Chaffin

14 July, 1958 – 31 August, 2023

Whitley Garner At Rosehaven Funeral Home & Rose Haven Cemetery

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