James "Jimmy" Chafin

On May 5, 2024, James Lowe Chafin (Jimmy), a celebrated former coach and teacher from Burch High School, left his earthly body and entered Heaven, where numerous loved ones and friends welcomed him home. Born on November 23, 1950, to James Benny and Ruth Lowe Chafin, Jimmy grew up in Delbarton, West Virginia. After graduating from Burch High School, he went on to Marshall University, where he earned a degree in Health Education and Physical Education. After working as a mail carrier, a karate instructor, and a coal mining operator in the Huntington area, Jimmy returned to his home town to teach physical education and health and coach basketball and volleyball. Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Judith Ann Chafin. After Judith’s mother’s tragic death many years ago, the young couple took over the care of Tonya, Judith’s 10-year-old sister. Tonya always considered Jimmy her dad, as he mentored her in many ways. Tonya Justice’s children, William Slash and Destiny Cheyenne; her grandchildren, Nae Nae, A.J.,Kaila Rose, and Lavon; and all who are part of their lives mourn the passing of Jimmy as well. Although Jimmy was technically the only child to his parents, he and the children of Will M. and Ruby J. Smith, Mitzi, Bill, and Mike, considered themselves siblings. This family fusion resulted as Ruth and Ruby (the Lowe identical twins) cooperated in the rearing of their children, when Ruby’s husband died, and she moved her family to Delbarton. Left to grieve their brother’s passing are Mitzi Smith Farley and her husband Ralph (Charleston, South Carolina), and Michael M. Smith (Delbarton). Jimmy is also survived by his niece, Jessica Farley Evans and her husband Cory, along with their children Harper, Grady, Millie, JoJo, and Henry (Charleston, South Carolina). Serving as a coach at Burch High School from 1988-2006, Jimmy earned a number of accolades with various teams: 1989 Junior High Basketball Championship, Asst. Coach; 1990 Girls’ Basketball State Championship, Asst. Coach; 1991 Girls’ Basketball State Runner-up, Asst. Coach; 1991 and 1993 Boys’ Basketball State Championships, Asst. Coach; and 1994 and 1998 Boys’ Basketball State Runner-up, Asst. Coach. As the first coach of Girls’ Volleyball at Burch High, Jimmy won Sectional Titles in 2004 and 2005. In addition, he led his team in winning the Regional Championship and its first State Championship appearance. Additionally, Jimmy was an excellent teacher and mentor to hundreds of students, who affectionately called him “Super Chaf.” His close friends also marveled at his numerous capabilities: artist, black belt in Karate, drummer, writer of poetry and prose, magician, juggler, and athletic trainer. In the last several years, Jimmy endured great suffering with dignity. Though he was not able to get out, he maintained great interest in the lives of those he loved. He and Judy spent time in prayer and shared a key verse from the Bible together each day. Also, he enjoyed listening to David Jeremiah, James Merritt, and Charles Stanley on television. His faith in God sustained him to the end. In accordance with the wishes of Jimmy, his family will not have a funeral at this time. Instead, we will have a Memorial Service in his honor during the Delbarton Homecoming Event on Labor Day Weekend in September of this year. We ask that those who loved Jimmy plan to come to Delbarton and share in this time of remembrance of the life of Jimmy Chafin. Specific times and places will be announced as the time grows near. During these coming days of grieving, our family desires your prayers. However, we ask that we be afforded the time we need to mourn Jimmy in privacy.

James "Jimmy" Chafin

November 23, 1950 - May 5, 2024

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James "Jimmy" Chafin

November 23, 1950 - May 5, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information