James Lee Chambers

James Lee Chambers of Charlotte died Friday, August 31, 2018 after a short but hard fought battle with cancer.  Jim was born in Winston-Salem, NC, March 7, 1939 to James Lee and Marie Brietz Chambers.

In his early years, he enjoyed being outdoors, playing football and being in the marching band at Reynolds High School and being a part of the JROTC where he began his training to become a United States Marine. Jim graduated from Guilford College in 1961 and soon after married his first wife, Mary Jac Vaughan. After being stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, they settled in Charlotte where they raised their two children. Jim proudly completed his service in 1971 as a Captain in the Marine Corp.

Jim was a hardworking, honest and humble man. He spent most of his career as the Vice-President of Stewart-McElrath Corporation where the company vastly grew under his leadership. In addition to his career, Jim enjoyed many other hobbies, his favorite being tennis. He spent countless hours on the courts at Barclay Downs Swim and Racquet Club where he was a life member. He thrived on the game and the fellowship. His generous heart and desire to give back led him to volunteer as a driver for the American Red Cross and Friendship Trays. He was also an active member of Myers Park United Methodist Church.

Jim was fortunate to find love a second time in his life marrying Dorothea, fondly called “Dottie”, Hollowell, in 2015. They shared many interests including, hiking, biking, music and travelling.

Jim is survived by his wife, Dottie, son Curt Chambers (Cathy), daughter Anna Smith (Jerry), and sister, Ann Chambers. Step-sons Andrew Hollowell, Patrick Hollowell (Laura) and Nick Hollowell, as well as six wonderful grandchildren:  Anna Case (Perry), Mary Claire, Christopher and Connor Shulstad and Corey and Riley Chambers.

He is preceded in death by Marie Brietz Chambers, James Lee Chambers, Mary Jac Chambers and Matthew Hollowell.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 2:00pm in the sanctuary at Myers Park United Methodist Church (MPUMC) located at 1501 Queens Road.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Jubilee Hall at MPUMC.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to send memorials may direct them to Myers Park United Methodist Church “Music Ministry” (1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207) or to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region (7845 Little Ave, Charlotte, NC 28226).

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of the Levine Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville for the love and kindness during Jim’s final days. 

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