James William Chatman

James W. Chatman
April 3, 1963 - September 3, 2026

James W. Chatman was born on April 3, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, to Lee Cora Chatman. He was the beloved husband of Lottie Chatman and a proud father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and cherished friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Dad took pride in keeping things clean. His home was always spotless, and if he came to your house and saw something that needed attention, before you knew it, he would be washing dishes, scrubbing walls, taking out the trash, or mopping the floors. That was just Dad being Dad. He was also a talented handyman who was always ready to fix or build something and make sure things were done right.

He loved his wife, Lottie, and often said she was "his world". He loved jazz, enjoyed cooking-especially fried chicken and cabbage-and loved making sure his family was fed and taken care of. Almost every day, he sent messages to the people he loved, often ending with, "I love you. Have a safe and blessed day." Those words will forever remain in our hearts. 

To his children, he was Dad. To his son James, he was affectionately known as Pops. His love and presence will forever be carried by his family. 

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Dad went to Hennepin County Medical Center for surgery related to his prostate cancer. The surgery was completed at approximately 3:00 PM. Following the surgery, the family was told he was doing okay and that he would remain at the hospital another day for pain management. 

During the early morning hours of Thursday, September 3, 2026, Dad began experiencing significant pain. At approximately 7:39 AM, a nurse contacted the family regarding his pain and reported that he had not eaten and could barely sleep. At approximately 10:11 AM, his blood pressure was reported to be very high. At approximately 10:12 AM, the doctor contacted the family and explained that Dad wanted to go home, but that they planned to keep him another day to help manage his pain. 

Later that morning, James W. Chatman passed away at Hennepin County Medical Center on September 3, 2026. His documented time of death was 11:03 AM. His passing came unexpectedly, just one day after his surgery. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lottie Chatman; children, Brenda Chatman, Mildred "Millie" Chatman, Jessica Dillard, Candace Stewart, James Chatman Jr., James Chatman III, Paul Chatman, and Tamarcus Wilks; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, William J. Chatman (Jessie); sister, Mildred V. Chatman; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family members and friends. 

Preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Cora Ann and Evens Chatman; his mother, Lee Cora Chatman; and his brother, Paul E. Chatman. 

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 10 AM at Simple Traditions by Bradshaw (488 Humboldt Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55107).