James Chatellier

James T. (Jim) Chatellier.  On Memorial day Monday May 28th 2018 America has lost another true patriot, James T. Chatellier  at the age of 94.  He passed away at Baptist Health in Paducah.  Known to his family and friends as Jim.  Jim was was born May 21, 1924, in Madisonville, Louisiana.

Jim was a World War II Navy combat veteran that served in the pacific theater as a helmsman aboard the mighty aircraft carrier USS ESSEX Cv9.  She was called the oldest and boldest of her class, and was dubbed the flightiest ship in the fleet.  He carried his air groups into combat against the enemy in 68 major battles.   Some of Jim’s awards included the combat ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with a Blue Star, the Republic of the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation Medal and campaign ribbon,  with 2 bronze stars, and Navy Commendatin Medal and Campaign ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and ribbon with 13, bronze battle stars, a total of 15, bronze battle stars, Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp and campaign ribbon, American World War II campaign Medal and Campaign ribbon, World War II Victory Medal and Campaign ribbon.  He was also awarded the Philippine Liberation  Metal from the Republic of the Philippines,  and a letter of Appreciation from the Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal.  Jim was honorably discharged on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1945.  Jim later Received a True Patriot Award from United States Congressman Scott Rigell of the state of Virginia.

He was a long standing member of Paducah Masonic lodge # 127 also West Kentucky consistory 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason from the valley of Madisonville, KY. and a member of Shriners Temple, Rizpah also of Madisonville, KY.  A retired member of Paducah Plumbers and Steamfitters Local # 184. and a Kentucky Colonal.  He was also 60 year member of First Baptist Church of Paducah, Ky.  While serving as President of the Paducah Tilghman High School Football Booster Club, he designed and made the bases, staffs for pennants that flies over McWright stadium for all home games.  He was charter member of the Paducah Red Coat Good Will Ambassadors and also a charter member of the now disbanded Chief Paducah Bow Hunters Club.  He loved the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his father James T. Chatellier,  Mother Vivian Lena Badeaux Chatellier.  His wife, Elizabeth Ann  (Betty) Chatellier.   Older sister, Dolly Cical Chatellier Jordan.  Younger sister Vivian Mary “ Mickey” Chatellier Garret.

He is survived by two sons, James T. (Debby) Chatellier III of Paducah.  Kevin (Lisa) Chatellier of West Paducah.  One daughter, Kimberli  (Wiley) Young of Paducah.  One brother David Chatellier  of Raleigh, North Carolina.  Five grandchildren, Ashley Dukes of Okinawa, Japan; Kevin Chatellier II of Virgina Beach Virgina;  Lauren Chatellier of Springsdale, Arizona.  Whittney Hite of Paducah and Jordan Wood of West Paducah.

Seven great grandchildren, Gabrian Chatellier, Eaden Chatellier, Jazman Dukes, Jazara Dukes, Jaxon Dukes, Axl Young and Scarlett Young.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday June 2, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Paducah, in Carson Chapel, with the Rev. Tommie Tucker officiating.   Friends may visit with family at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Paducah

In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Lourdes Hospice or American Heart Association

Lindsey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  On-line condolences may be left at www.lindseyfuneral.com