I knew Jim from FEN trainings and meetings.  When we met in  San Jose, we always took early morning walks together and we talked about everything: our children and grandchildren, the right to decide when we had completed our lives, education, music, travel, books, art, the beloved wife he had lost, whatever came into our heads.  He was such a refreshing man: funny, smart, compassionate, and an original thinker.  I think of him often when differences of opinion come up in our mutual organization (Final Exit Network) and know that he would have resolved them with everyone's well-being intact.  I miss you, Jim, and am always thankful that I had the chance to meet you and speak with you.  Love, Ann Mandelstamm

Jim was always ready with a smile, an encouraging word, and a helping hand. He will be deeply missed by me and many others at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. I wish there was going to be a Sarasota Memorial service for him.

Jim started so many exciting groups in St. Augustine from film society, play group talent limited
and was very involved with projects at the Unitarian Fellowship. Tom and I spent great times traveling to different places with he and his wife. Loved him and will miss his presence. Know that he is at peace. Janis and Tom May

I am extremely happy both that my path in life crossed with Jim's and that he died just as he wished.  I met him about 5 years ago and immediately felt as if we had been friends a long time.  Whenever we were both at meetings that lasted several days, we met in early mornings to take a walk together.  I've always loved taking a walk with someone as a great way to share ideas and luckily Jim felt the same.  He was a darling man, a man who had developed a great interior life, courage, and a wonderful sense of humor. . . in other words, an ideal man!  We often talked about his family, how much he loved them, and about mine too.  He was interested in everybody.  I never met his family, but if they read these memories, I hope it will bring them comfort to know how many people loved and admired Jim.  He once confided in me his method to get his grandchildren to visit,  a strategy that delighted us both.  Even  recalling him right now, I have a big smile on my face.  Thank you, Jim, for such dedicated work and for making the world better for so many, including me.  

I met Jim 1in 1998 when he was forming a play reading group aptly named Talent Ltd. Jim would be pleased to know the group is still going strong. He also formed a film group FSSA Film Society of St Augustine.  Unfortunately, it didn't survive upon his departure Jim was always having ideas, planning new undertakings. I  became good friends with Ellie his wife, who preceded Jim in death. She played piano, and I sang. We were heartbroken when he and Ellie decided to head for different pastures in Sarasota. But that was Jim seeking new horizons. We have kept in touch, in fact, he visited St Augustine recently and we had dinner together. He was once again telling me of all his plans. Jim will be missed. 

We will miss Jim. He was a good friend and a man of great kindness, wisdom, and courage. 

I send my condolence to the family of James Chastain  May happy memories of James bring you comfort as we await the fulfillment of  Acts 24:15, which gives us hope to be reunited with our dead loved ones.

OBITUARY

James Judson Chastain

March 5, 1926 – March 5, 2018

Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center

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