James Chester Everhart

James Chester Everhart was born on September 26, 1938 in Hamilton, Ohio. James was also known as Chet to his family. His father was a minister and a steelworker and his mother was a homemaker. James came from a family of 13 brothers and sisters. His brothers were Harold (the oldest), Charlie, Alvie and Robert. James was the youngest brother. His sisters were Freda, Edna, Myrtle, Bessie, Jean, Marie, Avis, Ida and Linda (the youngest). The surviving siblings are Freda, Avis and Ida. 

James was the only one in his family to finish high school. He was on the wrestling team and the tumbling team. James’ last two years in high school were spent in vocational training. He was in mechanical shop where he learned machining. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was in from 1956 to 1959 in the First Marine Division and trained at Camp Pendleton. From there, James went to the Philippines, Hawaii and Japan. 

After serving in the military, James came back to Ohio to work in the mechanical trades as a foreman building houses. He then worked for Townley Manufacturing where he retired from. This company sold mining equipment and chemical processing equipment. It was a job his brother-in-law got for him, noted James.

James was married to Mary for 55 years. James had four children: JC, who has three children; Max, who has one daughter; Roby, who has three children; and Suellen, who has three boys. Suellen served in the United States Navy as a radio operator. James has 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Zackery Everhart.

James had a great sense of humor. His hobbies included fishing, traveling and working on houses. He liked working with his hands, enjoyed painting, was always happy and positive, and he was a prankster. What he loved most in life was his wife, Mary, and his continuing growing family.

Memorial Services for James will be Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel, 525 N. Peart Rd., Casa Grande, AZ 85122.