James Chavis Jr., a talented, dedicated, hardworking family man and friend to all who met him, departed this life on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Burlington.
He was born to J.W. and Lillian Chavis on Sept. 22, 1942 in Newark, New Jersey.
He was raised in Pembroke, where he immersed himself into his Lumbee culture and heritage. As a student of Pembroke State University (UNC-P), he met the love of his life, Judy Boyd, in biology class. They both claimed it was love at first sight. They went on to marry after graduating and moved to Richmond County.
James taught high school math and chemistry while still in Pembroke. After moving, he worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and then went on to work as vice president of continuing education at Richmond Community College where he spent 32 years of his life dedicated to helping others reach their educational goals and dreams.
Serving his community was important to James. He served in many different ways which included being a volunteer fireman for over 35 years, later serving on the board at Northside Fire Department. He was a member of the Rockingham Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed serving on the board of Richmond Memorial Hospital, the State Employees Credit Union, and the Board of Elections. He was a member of Freedom Fellowship, which he referred to as "home" and "family."
He had a love of photography, flying and being part of the Civil Air Patrol, woodworking, being a lay speaker and Sunday school teacher for the United Methodist Church, helping Boy Scouts reach their goal of Eagle Scout and many other endeavors. One of his greatest passions was promoting and educating the community about Native American heritage. He was proud of his Lumbee roots.
James had two children, son James Chavis III and daughter Emily L Kirkley (Tom Kirkley); and five grandchildren, James Chavis IV, Michael Chavis, Jadon Walker, Abigail Chavis and Don Chavis. He is preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Lillian Chavis; and a brother, Alton. He was loved and adored by his family, including many nieces, nephews and a big orange cat named Whiskers. James was a treasure to his family, who will miss him greatly.
A service to honor and celebrate James will be held Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Freedom Baptist Church, 987 N. Hwy 1, Rockingham. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Hillside Memorial Park, U.S. Hwy 401 Bypass, Laurinburg.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Northside Volunteer Fire Department, 209 Bear Branch Road, Rockingham, NC 28379; or Freedom Baptist Church, 987 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Chavis family.
