James Elsworth Chezem 93, of rural Frankfort, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2015. He was born on September 5, 1921 in Frankfort, IN to William and Ethel (Thompson) Chezem. Jim graduated from Frankfort High School in 1939 and received an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, where he graduated with honors in 1944.

During and following World War II, he served in the U.S. Merchant Marine as an engineer on troop and cargo ships that sailed all over the world. He was a reserve officer in the United States Navy until 1954.

Jim and Suzanne Smith were married in New York City on September 18, 1946. They had two children, James and Jacqueline. Jacqueline passed in 1975 and Suzanne preceded Jim in death in 1981. He later married Ann Holder on July 19, 1985.

Jim worked as an engineer at Scott Paper Company in Detroit, farmed in Clinton County and was supervisor of buildings and grounds for the West Lafayette School Corporation until he retired in 1981.

For many years Jim was an excellent gardener and enjoyed sharing garden produce with family and friends. He contributed to the book, Gardening: Expert Advice from the National Gardening Association. Throughout his life Jim had a gift for helping people. He gave his talents to his country during war, was involved in community projects, and took an interest in helping children when he worked in the West Lafayette Schools. Many students fondly remember him as Mr. C. and still talk about his visits to Ann’s classroom with doughnuts for the children, lessons on gardening, and help with the plants in the grow lab. He had a keen sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be at the Goodwin Funeral Home on Monday, August 24, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Kilmore Cemetery. Those wishing to donate in Jim’s memory may send contributions designated for the children’s library in the Frankfort Public Library, 208 W. Clinton St., Frankfort, IN 46041 or The Public School Foundation of the Rossville Consolidated School, P.O. Box 11, Rossville, IN 46065.

Survived by:

his wife, Ann, his son, James (wife Jorjann) in Loveland, Ohio, two granddaughters, Julie Anderson in Quartzsite, Arizona and Jane Chezem (Husband, Matt Dahl) in Milford, Ohio, two step-grandsons, Kyle Alexander Chezem and Zachary Alexander of Cincinnati, Ohio, one great granddaughter, Katie Joan Dahl, and many fond nieces, nephews, and cousins.