James Chambliss

“The winds and the waves shall obey thy will. Peace be still. Peace.”

Multiple myeloma (blood and bone marrow cancer) and many other serious medical conditions may have ravaged his body, but Mr. James Arthur Chambliss was in a state of remarkable peace when he moved from his earthly home to his eternal home on Friday, October 14, 2016. James was sixty years old.

James was born in Racine on July 23, 1956. He graduated from Case High School and also attended Gateway Technical Institute. James had a very close relationship with his mother. As a child he spent much of his time in the kitchen as she cooked, helped her in gardening and loved attending church with her. He often would say to her “when I grow up I’m going to buy you a house.” James had a love for animals. Books on the topic of animals was his reading material. When younger, James would walk long distances. As he got older writing was an outlet for James. Writing paper and pencils were often on his person.

James is survived by a sister, Katherine; niece, Nicole; nephew, Jordan; great nieces, Nefertiti and Nyasia Wells; great-great niece, Serenity Wells; first cousin, Robert; and other relatives. James was preceded in death by his father, Willie H. Smith; mother, Mamie on March 30, 1998; brother, Major Chambliss on October 25, 2013; aunts, Maseline and Annie Mae; great aunts, Pearlie McClain and Maggie Buckley; uncles, Major and Charlie; grandparents, Elizabeth and Charles Chambliss and great-great nephew, Tru Angel Wells.

James was a resident of Prospect Heights (formerly Shoreline Manor) for twenty-eight years. Thank you to the staff and the residents for the care and kindness that was given to James. You became his extended family. Becker-Shoop Nursing Facility became James’ new home in April of 2016. The staff was there to meet his needs and Marquardt Hospice provided the comfort James needed during the final week of his life. Thank you Doctors Bogdan Pudzisz and Gerald Wisniewski as his primary doctors, you are greatly appreciated. The staff of the Cancer Center and Wheaton Healthcare-Ascension you met James needs at each and every appointment and hospitalization.

God knew James needed an understanding, patient, caring, dedicated and compassionate doctor in his five-year battle with multiple myeloma. So He chose Dr. Mark Choi to help James fight this battle. As each treatment failed to improve James’ life, Dr. Choi would move on to the next treatment. He did not give up. The battle was taken out of his hands. God moved. Good-bye James. You are no longer tired and you are missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, November 13, 2016, 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Frank James officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday November 13, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. until time of service at 4:00 p.m.