James Chestnut Jr. went home to be with the Lord on October 26, 2016. He was born on October 27, 1939 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to parents James, Sr. and Hattie Johnson Chestnut. James was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles Hayes, General Lee Hayes; sister, Cleo Banks; and a stepson, Reginald Chestnut.
James grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and moved to Ohio at the tender age of 17 years old where he attended technical school to learn a number of different trades and skills including construction, plumbing, electrical and heating work. He utilized those skills in various positions with the City of Cleveland, Highland View Hospital, and Beach Haven Nursing Home before holding a position as a plumber at The Cleveland Clinic Hospital where he met Hattie in 1972. James and Hattie were married on November 27, 1973. Shortly after marrying, James started his own home remodeling company. James, Hattie, and their young family moved to Houston, TX in 1982. James initially worked for Harris County as chief plumber before founding the non-profit consulting firm, James Chestnut & Associates, in 1984. Through James Chestnut & Associates, they were able to assist with the establishment and business operations of over 2000 churches, non-profit organizations, and small businesses. He also founded Chestnut Payroll & Accounting in 2001 to assist their clients in their payroll and accounting needs. James retired in 2014.
James Chestnut Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Hattie Chestnut; six children, Deborah Ann Pizarro-Cruz and husband Jose, Sr. of Orlando, Florida, Jacqueline Linen and husband Kevin of Cleveland, Ohio, George Ellis and wife Angela of Alexandria, Virginia; Lamont Chestnut of Houston, Texas, James Chestnut, III and wife Leyla of Humble, Texas, Ian Chestnut and wife Frene’ of Pearland, Texas; seven stepchildren, Stephanie Chestnut of Cleveland, Ohio, Tyrone Chestnut and wife Wanda of Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Chestnut of Cleveland, Ohio, Jeledvia Stewart of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, Cassandra Wingfield of Cleveland, Ohio, Octavia Wheeler and husband Warren of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; twenty-three grandchildren; Kimberly Pizarro-Cruz, Stephanie Pizarro-Cruz, Jose Pizarro-Cruz, Veronique Franklin and husband Booker, III, Harrison Linen, India Linen, Arielle Hayes and husband Jesse, George S. Ellis and wife Heather, David Ellis, Victoria Chestnut, John Chestnut, Raquan Chestnut, Farran Chestnut, Raven Chestnut, Ashley Chestnut, James Chestnut, IV, Deja Chestnut, Chloe Chestnut, Bryson Chestnut, Kalise Chestnut, Laurence Scruggs, Phillip Wingfield, Nichelle Wingfield; ten great grandchildren, David Pizarro-Cruz, Gabriel Pizarro-Cruz, Booker Franklin IV, Braxton Franklin, Myles Hayes, Christian Hayes, Alexander Ellis, Cameron Ellis, Breasia Chestnut, Noel Chestnut, and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
The family will receive friends for visitation Friday, November 4, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Grand Chapel at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039, and on Saturday November 5, 2016 for a Funeral Service at 1:00 PM at New Life Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, 3021 DeSoto, Houston, Texas 77091 followed by a burial at Brookside Memorial Park.
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