The Rev. Dr. James Haviland Chesnutt, 88, of Sparta, NJ, passed away at the Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice on March 18, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Columbus, Ohio, raised in Lake Forest, Illinois, and was a resident of Sparta for over 50 years. He served as pastor of the Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, OH. He then served for the next 10 years at the Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church in Stewartsville, NJ. Jim became the Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Newton and retired after 25 years.
He graduated from Lake Forest College with a BA in economics, magna cum laude, Princeton Theological Seminary with an MDiv, and McCormick Theological Seminary with a Doctorate of Ministry. He served as chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol. He received the Princeton Theological Seminary Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1994 and the Certificate of Merit Award from the Association of Retired Ministers. Jim was president of the New Jersey Council of Churches from 1992-1993. He was a former trustee and treasurer of Presbyterian Camps and Conferences, Inc. in Johnsonburg, NJ. Dr. Chesnutt was president of the Blair Academy Corporation from 1971-1995, served on the Blair Board of Trustees for more than 50 years and was elected to emeritus membership. Dr. Chesnutt led the Trustees in the reconfiguration of the relationship between the School and the Presbytery of Newton with the completion of the Covenant in 1995. He was awarded Blair’s highest honor in 1992, The Citation of Merit. On April 23, 2004, dedication ceremonies were held for the Chesnutt Chapel located in Clinton Hall.
Jim enjoyed family vacations at the Jersey Shore, loved golfing, and his childhood trains that are still displayed under the tree every Christmas. He was an avid sports fan and especially cheered on his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs. He loved sharing stories and spending time with his family and friends. He’ll be fondly remembered for his hardy laugh and his deep, rich voice. He was a man of great faith and dedicated his life to his ministry.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Marie (DiGioia) Chesnutt; devoted father of Joy Stathopoulos of Douglassville, PA; Judy McDonough and her husband George of Sparta, NJ; and Janet Orlando and her husband TJ of Stillwater, NJ and loving grandfather of Bryan and Michelle Stathopoulos, Brendan and Collin McDonough and Gina and Greg Orlando. Friends may call Thursday, 2-4, 6-8pm at the Sparta First Presbyterian Church, 32 Main St, Sparta, NJ 07871. A funeral service will be held at 11 am Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Chesnutt Fund, which provides support to the ministries of the Presbytery which were especially important to Jim. Contributions to the Chesnutt Fund can be made to Presbytery of Newton: Chesnutt Fund, 390 Route 10 West, Randolph, NJ 07869 or online at www.newtonpresbytery.org
